On May 21, 1799, revolutionary forces in Saint-Domingue (now Haiti) secured a strategic victory at the Battle of Tiburon during the Haitian Revolution, the only successful slave revolt in history. This lesser-known battle was pivotal in the southern campaign led by General André Rigaud, who commanded mostly free Black and mixed-race troops in the face of brutal French counterinsurgency. The town of Tiburon, located in the southwestern peninsula, became a contested stronghold due to its tactical position near maritime supply routes. The victory disrupted French efforts to regain control of the region and demonstrated the military sophistication of Haitian revolutionary leadership. While the broader Haitian Revolution is often spotlighted, battles like Tiburon remain underrepresented in historical narratives. This May 21 triumph reveals the depth of Black resistance, tactical brilliance, and the high stakes of sovereignty. It underscores Haiti’s foundational role in global Black liberation and anti-colonial movements.
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