Jean-Jacques Dessalines was the first ruler of independent Hati in 1805.
Jean-Jacques Dessalines ( [ ʒɑ̃ ʒak dɛs.salin ] ; 20 September 1758 -- 17 October 1806 ) was a leader of the Haitian Revolution and the first ruler of an independent Haiti under the 1805 constitution . Initially regarded as governor-general , Dessalines later named himself Emperor Jacques I of Haiti ( 1804 -- 1806 ) .