Location in Haiti
L'Estère (Haitian Creole: Lestè) is a commune in the Gonaïves Arrondissement, in the Artibonite department of Haiti. This historical town of 45,000 inhabitants is where the famous battle of the Haitian Revolution took place on February 23, 1803 between the troops of Rochambeau and Dessalines at the Ravine-à-Couleuvres.
Aerial view of L'Estère
About[]
This small rural town in Haiti's Artibonite Department, has many activities happening. Previously known as Pont de l'Estere, the town is situated 118 kilometers (73 miles) from the country's capital of Port-au-Prince.
History[]
Early History[]
During the time when the Treaty of Ryswick was signed by the Spanish government in 1697, the French also established bases in L'Estère (which was then part of Petite Rivière) and Gonaïves.
L'Estere was a prosperous village, inhabited by merchants, and had well-organized streets. It was the residence of the governor. On the contrary, the surrounding region, Petite-Rivière, experienced a relatively low level of prosperity. Following a great fire in 1711, Estère was abandoned. Yet the French presence in the region continued to expand, and shortly after, they took interest in a newly founded city to the south called Léogâne.
20th Century[]
The city of L'Estère, founded in 1908, was formerly known as La Chicotte. In 1947, the president Dumarsais Estimé built the section of the Route Nationale 1 linking Carrefour Peille Ravine to Couleuvre. In 1954, under the presidency of Paul Eugène Magloire, this area was elevated to the rank of district. And thirty years later, in 1984, President Jean Claude Duvalier made Estère a municipality.
L'Estère landscape
Geography[]
L'Estère is located at 9.3055° N, 72.6085° W. According to the IHSI, the commune has a total land area of 176.24 square kilometers (68.05 square miles), of which 174.93 km² (98%) is suburban and rural and 1.31 km2 (2%) is urban. It has two communal sections, 1ère Lacroix-Perisse, Section Pont de l'Estère, and 2ème Petites-Desdunes. These are further divided into at least 16 localities and 19 habitations.
The commune's land area is mostly made up of a valley in the city area and mountains in the rest of the commune. The weather is pretty warm considering where it's located, which is more inland.
| LES | L'Estère | 45,159 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VLE | Ville de L'Estère | Urban | 22,847 | |||
| PLE | 1ère Section La Croix Perisse |
Rural section | 11,530 | Bois Blanc, Carrefour Bois de Chaux, Catigale, Dalfeuille, Désiré, Gayatant, La Cour Périsse, Macajou, Macatin, Manyan, Mapou, Mare Louise, Nan Toussaint, Perisse, Rigaud, Rival, Roselière, Savane, Ti Périsse | ||
| 2ème Petites-Desdunes | Rural | 10,634 | Au Source Nord, Bellevue, Bois Croc, Bois Dehors, Carrefour Périsse, Grand Rac, Johanisse, La Chicotte, La Croix, L'Estère Large, Macaya, Machine, Pegne, Savane Desdunes, Savane Désolée |
Demography The inhabitants of the town of Estère are called '"Estèriens / Estèriennes. T
| Year | Population | +/- |
|---|---|---|
| 1890 | ||
| 1998 | 35,846 | |
| 2004 | 40,000 | |
| 2015 | 45,159 |
With the help of its tropical climate and warm weather, people can enjoy a panoramic view of the blue sky and white, fluffy clouds. Nearby hills also add a stunning beauty to the town.
Economy[]
L'Estère cityscape
Estere has a strong presence in the agricultural sector when it comes to sustaining its economy. A significant number of residents engage in farming activities, while livestock rearing is a popular leisure pursuit in the town.
In terms of Economic and Financial Institutions, this community offers various facilities such as a hotel, multiple restaurants, reception centers, a bank, a credit union, and a marketing cooperative.
The primary shopping destinations in Estere are the Carrefour Marie Louise, Marché Plato, and Marché Joanisse, all located in the first section of the town.
Infrastructure[]
Driving on the road to Largue L'estere, Artibonite, Haiti
Transportation
L'Estère has a well-developed transportation network with well-maintained roads that accommodate the numerous passenger buses that operate in the area. These ensure convenient transportation options for residents and visitors alike. Additionally, motorbikes and trucks are readily accessible for convenient travel within the town.
Education
The municipality of l'Estère does not have any presence from the Ministry of National Education of Youth and Sports. The schools in the area include two kindergartens, three primary schools (including multiple private schools and one congregational school), one public secondary school, four private secondary schools, and one congregational secondary school.
Health
The Ministry of Public Health and Population is also absent in the municipality of l'Estère . It is equipped with a health center and three clinics, where a team of doctors, dentists, nurses, and auxiliaries ensure the health and well being of the municipality.
Promotion for the MIVO Foundation in L'Estere, Haiti
The MIVO Foundation in L'Estere works toward enhancing medical services in the town. With the establishment of the MIVO Medical Center, residents can expect improved healthcare. The program, initiated by the Servant's Ministry, aims to provide health assistance to the community. Given the previous health challenges faced by L'Estere, such as a prolonged cholera outbreak, the need for better medical services is evident.
Utilities
Police station
There have been an inventory of seven sources and a river. As for the remaining water sources, thirty-one individual boreholes and an artesian well used for consumption were documented. A significant portion of L'Estère has access to electricity. The sole institution responsible for electricity in this municipality is the Electricity of Haiti (EDH). On average, it supplies 70 hours of electricity per week.
Security
The municipality of l'Estère has a court of peace in the town center, but there is no prison facility available.
Administration
As of December 2021
L'Estère Town Hall
  Seneca Estimable |
  Lucny Dorcilon |
  Kamara Dormevil |
| Party: MOPOD |
Culture[]
Religion
There are around thirty-one temples of various beliefs in the commune of l'Estère, including Catholic, Baptist, Adventist, Pentecostal, Wesleyan, and Jehovah's Witness. The Baptist temples are the most numerous in the area.
Organizations
There are a handful of political parties and organizations in this area. Five grassroots organizations and a peasants group exist in this commune.
Rice fields in L'Estere
Communication
Ras Eddy, Lof and Lion - L'Estere, Haiti
The town of l'Estère doesn't have a TV station, but it does have a radio station on Boulevard Liberation and a newspaper in the downtown area.
Leisure
The town of L'Estére has a variety of recreational facilities, including eight gagères and four football (soccer) fields. Unfortunately, these spaces are currently in disrepair, along with a basketball court. Hopefully, they will be restored soon for the community to enjoy leisure and sports again.
Heritage
The entire town commemorates the patronal feast of Marie Reine Immaculée on December 8 each year.
Points of Interest[]
The Grotte-aux-lndes, situated in the commune of L'Estère, served as a refuge for the aboriginal Indians fleeing their persecutors. Unfortunately, a tidal wave engulfed the cave, located along the seashore, resulting in their tragic demise. Today, the cave is filled with numerous bones, resembling a true ossuary.
References[]
Dictionnaire geographique et historique [1]
Haiti Observer [2]
FENMAH [3]
Michael Vedrine