1697-September-20: Under the Treaty of Ryswick, Spain officially recognized French sovereignty over the vaguely defined western third of the island.

1697-September-20: Under the Treaty of Ryswick, Spain officially recognized French sovereignty over the vaguely defined western third of the island. This area had gradually become dominated by French buccaneers who had established themselves there despite Spanish opposition. Logan clarifies that this French-controlled portion of the island is referred to as Saint-Domingue, while the Spanish portion remains Santo Domingo. The treaty formalized a division that would remain a source of tension and conflict for nearly two centuries. This recognition allowed France to develop the colony into its most valuable overseas possession, eventually outperforming all other Caribbean territories .