In 1604, newcomers from France landed on the offshore island under the leadership of Pierre Dugua, Sieur de Mons, who pledged to found a permanent colony in return for control of the region's fur trade. Aware that earlier settlement attempts had failed, the expedition arrived well equipped with supplies and workers, including soldiers, priests, artisans, gentlemen, and some boys as young as 10 or 12. For defense, the island was chosen as the settlement site, and the French immediately built a palisade and installed cannons out of concern for their safety.