The Islands were uninhabited when discovered by Europeans. France established a colony on the islands in 1764. In 1765, a British captain claimed the islands for Britain. In early 1770 a Spanish commander arrived from Buenos Aires with five ships and 4,400 soldiers forcing the British to leave Port Egmont. https://iblog.iup.edu/gyyt/2016/06/07/all-about-burnie-burns/comment-page-5298/?replytocom=316231