Senegal was initially colonized by the French in the 17th century, and it remained under French colonial rule until it gained independence in 1960. During this time, Senegal was a part of French West Africa, which was a collection of French colonies in West Africa.

In 1659, France established the trading post of Saint-Louis, Senegal. The European powers continued contending for the island of Gore, until in 1677, France led by Jean II d'Estres during the Franco-Dutch War (1672 1678) ended up in possession of the island, which it would keep for the next 300 years.