Christophe, Henri

(1767–1820), a former slave and key leader in the Haitian Revolution, took part under Jean-Jacques Dessalines 1805 in the invasion of Santo Domingo (now the Dominican Republic) against French forces, and killed hundreds of Dominicans, including prisoners. After Dessalines was assassinated, Christophe retreated to the Plaine-du-Nord and created a separate government. In 1807, he was elected President of the State of Haiti, as he named that area, and four years later he created a kingdom and had himself proclaimed Henry I, King of Haiti. He also created a nobility, and named his legitimate son Jacques-Victor Henry as prince and heir. He is known for building the Citadelle Laferrière – described as one of the great construction wonders of the era – the Sans-Souci Palace and numerous other palaces. The kingdom earned its revenues from agricultural production, primarily sugar, using forced labour. Unpopular, ill and fearing a coup, he committed suicide. His son was assassinated ten days later.