1507 The Island is officially seen by Tristan da Cunha, on february 1507, the 9th, St Apolline 's day 1518 The Island of Santa Apolonia is present on a portuguese map. Two years later, with Rodrigues and Mauritius, they are called Islas Mascarenhas, from the name of a sailer on the road to Goa. 1642 The Island, where boats on the road to India are used to put into port, is touched down by the French boat: Saint Louis 1646 The governor of Fort Dauphin (Madagascar) send into exile 12 mutineers to the Island. It is now called Mascarin. 1649 Flacourt, Madagascar governor, takes possession of the Isalnd in the name of the King of France. It gives it the name Bourbon. Saint Paul becomes the capital city of the Island. 1735 Huge works of governor Mahé de la Bourdonnais. The last dodo dies. (it is a bird close from the one of Mauritius) 1746 Bankrupt of "la Compagnie des Indes". The Fing of France buys the Bourbon Island. 1793 A Convention decree name it Reunion Island without any particular reason. 1810-1814: English occupation. Some 70000 inhabitants. 1848 (December, the 20th) Slavery is abolished by governor Sarda Gariga. The 20th of december is always a national day: la fêteKaf' 1870 The Suez canal opens. Reunion Island is no longer a touch town place for boats. 1946 La Réunion becomes a French department.