The island had been abandoned by the Caribs by 1590 (possibly due either to diseases introduced by contact, Spanish massacres, or other causes), and became Spanish territory. It was taken by the English in 1641, and then the Dutch in 1642. The Dutch built triangular earthworks called "Fort Flamand" (Flemish Fort) near the site, which was taken over by the French in 1650, and renamed "Fort Salé" (Salt Fort or du Sal Fort after the governor). It remains the only known structure to survive from this early colonial period.