More Citadel photo's

The Citadel, Laferriere, was built between the years 1805-1820 on the mountain Bonnet a L'Euegue about 5 miles up hill from Milot. Christophe Henri had declared himself king in 1811. It is said that 20,000 died making the Citadel. It was never completely finished.

Christophe was partially paralyzed with a stoke in July 1820 from which he never recovered. On Oct. 8, 1820 he committed suicide with a silver bullet in the place.

His body was brought to the Citadel and while some think it was placed in this large lump of limestone others claim that his final resting place is not know.

Map showing layout of the Citadel. The whole complex is said to encompass more than 108,000 square feet. It is the largest fortress in the Western Hemisphere.

Christophe's brother-in-law was killed in an explosion. It is said he was smoking near gun powder. His tomb is white and near the gunpowder storage area in the fort.

Gunpowder storage inside the fortress.

.

A cannon's trip from the coastal harbor of Cap Haitian to the Citadel could take three months time.

Areas to catch rain water.