Havana was founded in 1519 by Diego Velázquez as San Cristóbal de la Habana and it became the main port of the Spanish colonies in the Americas. In 1607 it became the capital of Cuba, which had been until then Santiago de Cuba. Havana was taken by British troops in 1762, but after a year it was returned in exchange for Florida. During the following period the city expanded and the fortifications were reinforced.