It was officially registered by the Frenchman André Thevet in December 1555, and acknowledged by King Henri II as a French discovery in 1556.

Paquetá was then divided into two allotments assigned to settlers; the one now called Campo was given to Inácio de Bulhões and the Ponte area to Fernão Valdez.

Even today the characteristics of this division between Campo and Ponte are conspicuously present in the Island's festivities, in football matches and in the parade of dancing and singing groups during Carnival.

[2][3] Under Portuguese rule, Paquetá produced vegetables, fruits, stone and timber for construction.

Nowadays Paquetá presents a residential and touristy profile due to its cultural roots, its scenery and location.