Flore Bois Gaillard was an enslaved biracial women who led a successful rebellion against the British in what is now called the Battle of Rabot in April 1795.
Tired of being physically and sexually abused by her enslaver Master Bellac, she escaped the plantation in 1793 and ran into the woods. There she met up with the maroons (called Negre Marron in St. Lucia), where she joined and eventually led the rebellion army called Armée Française Dans Les Bois or the French Army in the Woods. This army included free black people, maroons, French revolutionaries and English deserters.
In 1794 the French National Convention abolished slavery on the island, however the British disagreed with the French abolitionist agenda and wanted to regain control of the St Lucia as they feared freeing the slaves would ruin the economy (*bombastic side-eye to the British*😒)
In 1795, Flore and the rebels successfully defeated the British in the Battle of Rabot, causing the British to flee the island and gaining black slaves in St. Lucia a full year of freedom! It’s also rumoured that during the battle, Flore killed her enslaver and burned down his plantation (Get your lick-back diva!!!)
Today, Piton Flore is named in memory of the incredible woman who helped give St Lucians our first taste of freedom! We salute you for your sacrifice & bravery Queen!!! 🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨
