The island of Karukera is discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493. He names the islands Santa Maria de Guadelupe de Estremadura. In 1635 France acquires Guadeloupe and establishes it as a French colony. From 1759 until 1763 and from 1810 until 1816 the island is occupied by the United Kingdom. In 1946 Guadeloupe becomes a French overseas département and is ruled as part of mainland France.