Port-de-Paix
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Port-de-Paix (Pòdepè or Pòdpè in Kréyòl) is the capital of the département of Nord-Ouest in Haïti on the Atlantic coast. It has a population of 25,000 (2003 census).
Formerly a large exporter of bananas and coffee, Port-de-Paix is now a centre for smuggled goods from Miami, Florida, USA.
The area around the town was given the name "Valparaíso" by Christopher Columbus after landing here on December 6, 1492 and still contains many attractive beaches and locations. A ferry operates between the town and Tortuga Island (La Tortue) situated just across the water.
The town was founded in 1665 by French filibusters, driven from Tortuga Island by the British occupiers. In 1679 the town saw the first black slave revolt. The area saw great success during the 19th century but in 1902 the town was almost entirely destroyed by fire, and never attained its former status.
Port-de-Paix is also the chief town of an arrondissement of the same name. The arondissement consists of four communes: Port-de-Paix, Bassin Bleu, Chansolme and Tortuga Island.
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