The first Spanish settlement, Baracoa, was established on the northeast corner of the island by August, 1511. It consisted of a fort surrounded by thatched huts and served as the initial base of operations for the Spanish occupation of Cuba. Later that year, Velásquez was joined by Panfilo de Narvaez who brought thirty Spanish archers and Native auxiliaries from Jamaica. Velásquez was glad for the reinforcements and made Narvaez second in command. More than a year was spent consolidating control of the present-day Oriente province.