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Fort Jacques and Fort Alexandre fortifications were a defensive system improvised by Emperor Jean-Jacques Dessalines to prevent the return of the French after the independence of the island of Haiti.The forts were built under the direction of General Alexandre Pétion. They were high on the hilltops surrounding the city of Kenscoff near Petionville.The Forts were named Alexandre in Honor of Alexandre Pétion, and Jacques and in honor of Jean-Jacques Dessalines. Fort Jacques was completed in a year and armed with cannons. Fort Alexandre was abandoned after Dessalines death in 1806. Fort Jacques was restored, while the Fort Alexander, which is east of Fort Jacques, is practically in ruins.