Macoucherie Slave House

The Macoucherie Slave House is a historic landmark in the area known as Macoucherie, just off the Edward Oliver Leblanc Highway in Saint Joseph Parish on Dominica’s west coast. This structure stands as a stark reminder of the island’s colonial past, situated between the villages of Salisbury and Mero and accessible via Macoucherie Road. The slave house is part of the larger Macoucherie Estate, where the Macoucherie Rum Distillery continues to operate today.

Macoucherie Slave House: Architecture and Culture

The Macoucherie Slave House is a single-story structure made from local materials, constructed in a utilitarian style that reflects the harsh living conditions imposed upon the enslaved Africans who lived there. Although the building is now in disrepair and unfit for habitation, it serves a new purpose as storage for copra, which is exported for use in soaps and shampoos. The enduring presence of the slave house is a powerful reminder of Dominica’s history, preserving the memory of those who were forced to labour on the estate. Its location amid the lush surroundings of the estate offers visitors a sense of the complex history that the structure embodies.

Visiting the Slave House and Distillery

Visitors to the Macoucherie Estate can explore the Macoucherie Slave House, which offers a profound glimpse into Dominica’s colonial past. The preserved building, along with the aged machinery on the estate, such as the trapiche mill, provides a unique educational experience, allowing visitors to understand both the estate’s economic role and the human toll exacted during its operation. The juxtaposition of historical structures and the ongoing rum production brings to life the complex legacy of Dominica’s plantation era.