Siege of Saint-Marc
Haitian War of Independence · Saint-Marc, Saint-Domingue
Summary
The siege of the port city of Saint-Marc was conducted by French forces seeking to retake a strategic position held by insurgents. After several weeks of fighting, the French succeeded in capturing the city.
Historical context
In February 1802, during Leclerc's expedition, General Boudet occupied Saint-Marc after Dessalines burned the town and killed inhabitants, as part of the French reconquest of Saint-Domingue.
Tactics
Boudet followed Dessalines's trail from Léogâne and entered Saint-Marc on 25 February; French artillery and infantry faced urban defense already devastated by the insurgents' fire.
Consequences
The capture of Saint-Marc was a limited tactical success: Dessalines escaped and resistance continued, notably at the siege of Crête-à-Pierrot in March 1802, without stopping the general uprising.