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Dec 6, 1491
Christopher Columbus Discovers 'Hispaniola'
In December of 1491, Christopher Columbus arrived at the island of 'Hispaniola'. This marked the beginning of the island's written history, although the history of the Native people of the island had a rich history before the arrival of Colonizers. -
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Haitian Revolution
With the revolutions in France sparking activism on both sides of the Atlantic, the people of Haiti fight for their rights. France surrenders to Jean-Jacques Dessalines who later declares himself Governer General and Emperor. -
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Haitian Civil War/'War of Knives'
The Haitian 'War of Knives' was a civil war between Toussaint Louveture, a black ex-slave, and André Rigaud, a mixed-race, free person of colour. -
Haiti Gains Independence
In 1804, Haiti officially became a republic, gaining independence. -
The Parsley Massacre
The Parsley Massacre of 1937 was a mass killing of Haitians who were residing on the Dominican Republic's northwest border. Under the orders of Rafael Trujillo, the Dominican Army used bayonets, machetes, and Krag rifles to murder about 35,000 and injure 2,419 Haitians. -
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Haitian Dictator François 'Papa Doc' Duvalier In Power
François Duvalier, or 'Papa Doc', assumed the presidency in Haiti in 1954. He declared himself 'president for life' which he maintained till his death in 1971. -
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Anti-Duvalier Protests
After Haitian dictator 'Papa Doc' passed away, his son, 'Baby Doc' took his place. However, there were many protests against him which eventually drove him out of the country. -
2010 Haiti Earthquake
On January 1, 2010, Haiti's capital city, Port-au-Prince, was hit with a 7.0 magnitude earthquake. -
Assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse
The assassination of Haitian president Jovenel Moïse in 2021 has led to extreme political instability and gang violence in Haiti. -
2021 Haitian Earthquake
Five weeks after the president's assassination, Haiti is hit with a 7.2-magnitude earthquake 55 miles north of Les Cayes.