Léogâne: The Ancestral Capital of Xaragua
Léogâne, formerly known as Yaguana, was the ancestral capital of the Caciquat of Xaragua, the most prosperous and powerful of the five indigenous chiefdoms of the island of Ayiti (Hispaniola). This great territory was ruled by the Eternal Queen Anacaona, a legendary figure in the island's history, renowned for her wisdom, diplomacy, and cultural contributions.
Anacaona was the wife of Caonabo, the powerful Cacique of Maguana, and the sister of Boechío, who ruled Xaragua before her. Together, they embodied the strength and unity of the indigenous Taíno civilization. Xaragua was composed of two main regions: Zui and Yaquimo, which formed the foundation of its rich political and economic structure.
The capital, Yaguana (modern-day Léogâne), was the heart of Xaragua’s political, economic, and cultural life. It was a vibrant center where diplomacy, arts, and governance flourished under Anacaona’s reign. The people of Xaragua were known for their advanced social organization, their mastery of agriculture, and their deep connection to the land and spiritual traditions.
Despite the tragic events that followed the arrival of European colonizers, the legacy of Xaragua, Anacaona, and the proud people of this land remains eternal. The spirit of Yaguana continues to live in Léogâne, a city that carries the memory of its glorious past and the strength of its ancestors.