Also known as: Bataille de Vertières, Battle of Vertieres
Last updated: April 26, 2026
The final major battle of the Haitian Revolution, fought on November 18, 1803 near Cap-Haïtien. Haitian forces under Jean-Jacques Dessalines defeated the French army under the Viscount of Rochambeau, forcing the French surrender of the island. The battle sealed the end of Napoleon's ambitions in the Caribbean and paved the way for Haitian independence on January 1, 1804. November 18 is commemorated as Vertières Day in Haiti.
Pétion commanded the southern forces.
of-vertières
Christophe commanded northern forces in the battle.
Dessalines commanded the overall Indigenous Army forces.
Led repeated cavalry and infantry charges under intense French fire; had his horse shot from under him but rose and continued advancing, earning the epithet Capois-la-Mort.
The military victory at Vertières made independence possible.
The Battle of Vertières on November 18, 1803 was the final military victory that made the declaration possible
The Battle of Vertières on November 18, 1803 was the expedition's final defeat
The Battle of Vertières was fought on this plain on November 18, 1803
of-vertières - Polish defectors fought alongside Haitians
of-vertières - November 18, 1803 (transitional)
Battle of Vertières
of-vertières - The final victory
Battle of Vertières
of-vertières - Fought against fever-weakened French forces
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"Battle of Vertières." 1803. Rasin.ai, 2026. https://rasin.ai/connections/events/battle-of-vertieres. Accessed 2026-05-05.