French Guiana History

A French expedition was sent to explore the Cayenne River in 1604. For the next 70 years the French operated trading companies and established settlements. In 1664 the city of Cayenne was permanently established and in 1674 was placed under direct French control. Portuguese and British forces occupied French Guiana for five years during the Napoleonic Wars. In 1946 French Guiana became an Overseas Department of France.