Events
The Earthquake of 1842
- Saturday, May 07, 2011 9:31 PM
On May 7, 1842, a major earthquake destroyed the city of Cap-Haïtien and other towns nearby.
Video
Tour of Palais de Sans Souci 1/2
On May 7, 1842, a major earthquake destroyed the city of Cap-Haïtien and other towns nearby.
Along with Cap-Haïtien the cities of Port-de-Paix, Môle-Saint-Nicolas, and Fort-Liberté were all affected by the earthquake. The earthquake was so great, damages were reported well into the Dominican Republic.
Major historic landmarks such as the San-Souci Palace, the royal residence of Henri Christophe and his family were severely destroyed. 10,000 lives were lost to this event.
The palace (before its destruction) was acknowledged by many to be the Caribbean equivalent of the Palace of Versailles in France. UNESCO designated it—and the Citadelle—World Heritage Sites in 1982.
The mighty Citadelle Laferrière of the Caribbean did not escape without signs of the tremor.
This picture is of the San Souci Palace that was destroyed by this earthquake. Many people believe that the north part of Haiti is overdue for an earthquake and will likely be the next target.
Supplemental: San Souci Before 1842
Source: Haiti Reference
, Jewish Gen
, Haiti Mega
