It was founded in 1699 by Jean Guillaume de Pignon, one of the first French tradesmen and plantation owners who settled the western portion of Hispaniola after the Treaty of Ryswick with Spain.

The vast valleys were suitable for tobacco, sugar cane, coffee, banana, mangoes, cocoa and animal production for export to France and trade with the Spanish neighbors in Hinche.

Mission Aviation Fellowship operates scheduled flights to Pignon from Port-au-Prince out of the small Guy Malary Terminal at Toussaint Louverture International Airport on 1 PM on Mondays and Fridays.

Hôpital Bienfaisance is a well-equipped hospital with modern technology, many personnel and other resources to provide a wide range of advanced medical services.

[5] The Dispensaire St. Joseph de Pignon provides free and low-cost primary care, plus basic laboratory tests and dentistry, and maintains an on-site pharmacy.