The island of Martinique is located between Dominica and St. Lucia in the central part of the Lesser Antilles island arc. There are several volcanic centres on the island, of which Mont Pelee is the most famous, for its devastating eruption on May 8, 1902. Martinique was first visited by Christopher Columbus in 1502, but wasn't settled until 1635 when Pierre Belain d'Esnambuc landed at the present site of St. Pierre with about one hundred companions. After claiming the island in the name of King Louis XIII of France they built the Fort of St. Pierre, a governor's house, and quarters for the Jesuits.