Trading post and fort of origin

The Spaniards gained possession of Curaçao shortly after 1500, but ultimately did nothing with this small volcanic coral island. In 1634 the Dutch West India Company (WIC) conquered the island and established a supply post there. The island was subsequently colonised from Amsterdam. Descendants of the Jewish community that arrived at that time still live there today. The eastern coastal area along Sint Anna Bay was the first to be developed. A civilian settlement and a pentagonal stone fortress (Fort Amsterdam) were built there at Punda. The entire complex was enclosed by a town wall. Later, in the 17th century, the fort was reduced to an irregular quadrangle. The settlement was first referred to as Willemstad in 1680.