In light of the recent catastrophic earthquake event in Haiti, and the knowledge that this event has only served to exacerbate the country’s existing human condition, I thought we’d take a look back at that nation’s history. And do so via the Haitian stamps that have been issued over the (stated) years.
Beginning with the national coat of arms and its motto “L’Union Fait La Force” (that translates to “Unity Creates Strength” from the French), which appear on many stamps, each piece of postage art tells a story.
(Fun Fact: Louis Vergniaud Pierre-Noel, who married African-American artist Lois Mailou Jones, was a famous Haitian-born graphic designer who created stamp drawings for his country’s government during the mid-20th century.)
Haitian Revolution and Independence
1968.
As you can probably surmise from the artwork, this stamp is in honor of August 22, 1791 – a night that saw a national uprising of black slaves against whites across the country. A great rebellion, which would lead to a Revolution, which would then ultimately lead to Haiti’s freedom, was underway…
1904.
In the late 18th century during the Revolution , Pierre D. Touissant L’Ouverture became perhaps the most successful Haitian military figure of all time. He led the revolting black slaves of his army to many victories over not only the ruling French imperial forces, but also forces of both the Spanish and British empires.
1904.
Jean-Jacques Dessalines was a one-time lieutenant during the Revolution, graduating to top commander upon the capture of his predecessor (L’Ouverture). He then went on to become the newly-independent nation’s first emperor, from 1804-1806.
1946.
Depicted in the first stamp is Capois-La-Mort (”Capois The Death,” in French), the nickname of Francois Capois. He was an army officer under Dessalines and is renowned for his exploits of November 18, 1803 (as stated in the art piece).
1954.
During the Battle of Vertieres – which is commemorated in the second stamp – he defied his very demise numerous times in leading his men in the seige on a vital, French-held fort.
These are but a few of the many stamps dedicated to the persons and places of the Haitian Revolution. The sheer amount of postage that reference this conflict is a testament (understandably so) to the importance of that episode in the country’s birth and overall history.
1904.
Alexandre Pétion, who played a role in the Revolution, became the president of the Southern Republic of Haiti after the kingdom was split into two upon the death of Dessalines in 1806. He was known as a kind-hearted leader during his tenure (which lasted until 1818) for his fair treatment of peasants and loyal supporters alike, and he believed, heavily, in the importance of education.
Haitian Self-Rule and Turmoil
1887.
This stamp features Lysius Salomon , the president of the republic from 1879-1888, and the man who established the Haitian postal system. He also made varying degrees of improvements to the country’s educational , agricultural, and banking systems.
1898.
Depicted here is Tiresias Simon Sam, one of only two Haitian, 19th-century, Heads of State who were allowed to complete their respective tenures in office (although he resigned on a technicality a few weeks before his six-year term was up).
What’s important for the reader to note here, if you follow the above link, is that the starting picture for this bit of postage seems to be an official state photograph. (I previously discussed the benefits of using presidential portraits in the production of collectibles and memorabilia.)
1943.
In September of 1902, the captain of a cruising Haitian gunship blew up his own vessel to avoid capture by a German-manned warship. This stamp marks that singular event in the country’s lore and, much like the slave revolt of 1791, the event is a symbol of Haitian spirit and defiance.
1906.
Pierre Nord Alexis presided over Haiti from 1902 to 1908. His administration, though widely perceived as corrupt, was devoted to public works – it commissioned the building of such structures as a Court of Justice, a grand Cathedral, and several railroads. Alexis’ visage on this 1906 stamp, as with Sam’s on his seal, also seems to have been culled from his presidential photo.
Haiti, US Occupation and Beyond
1988.
It was during the early years of United States military authority (established in 1915) in Haiti that Charlemagne Peralte, a rebel, became a national hero among the nation’s citizens. He and his anti-American followers carried out many guerrilla attacks against the enemy, before he was finally killed by a US marine in 1919.
1924.
President Louis Bornó (in office 1922-1930) was instrumental in Haiti’s economic, structural, and educational reconstruction under American rule. He played the game of politics and international diplomacy quite well; as witnessed not only by his cooperation with the occupying force, but also by his meetings with French catholics, and the presidents of both the United States and the Dominican Republic.
1944.
The presidential term of Sténio Vincent, lasting from 1930 to 1941, finally saw the withdrawal of US troops from Haiti (in 1934). While Vincent continued the improvement of national infrastructure and services started by Borno, his predecessor, he also took self-aggrandizement, public censorship, and government corruption to disturbing levels.
1958.
François Duvalier was the president known as “Papa Doc.” Even though his regime of nearly 14 years was plagued by political oppression and national decay – in large part via the Brain Drain phenomenon – he was widely popular with the rural black majority of his country (hence the familiarity of his nickname). He often fancied himself to be god-like in stature…
As with many countries with relatively short longevity (like the United States), Haiti has done a remarkable job over time of commemorating its noteworthy people and occurrences through the release of stamps. These are just some of the prominent Haitians and events, good and bad, that have made the country what it is today.
This is by no means a comprehensive list of all of the stamps related to Haitian history. (To be honest, I’ll say these are just the stamps I could get my mouse on.) Nor is this a complete archive of important moments in this nation’s annals. To broaden your knowledge about these stamps, join the Haiti Philatelic Society. If you’re looking to buy postage memorabilia, visit Delcampe Auctions and search the word “Haiti”. For more Haitian history, don’t miss this university course.
And, of course, you can lend a hand to the relief effort in Haiti by going to redcross.org.
