Curacao was initially discovered and claimed by Spain in the late 15th century.

In 1499, Alonso de Ojeda, a Spanish explorer, became the first European to sight Curacao, along with its neighboring islands, Aruba and Bonaire. These islands were subsequently claimed for the Spanish Crown. However, the Spanish found the arid landscape and lack of precious metals less appealing than other parts of their burgeoning American empire, leading to a relatively limited Spanish presence primarily focused on cattle ranching and occasional pearl diving. Many indigenous Arawak people were forcibly removed to Hispaniola as laborers, depopulating the island significantly.