Founded by the Dutch in 1721 after the French capture of Arguin,[3] Portendick was a significant port for the gum arabic trade.

It was the site of a major battle during the Char Bouba war between Arab Hassan and Berber Zawaya tribes.

The area's arid, desert climate and lack of drinking water, a natural harbor, or a trading post contributed to the decline.

Nevertheless British traders would still purchase gum there, particularly when France and the Emirate of Trarza were at war.

The French blockaded the port for a year in 1835, during another conflict with the Trarza, capturing several British merchant vessels.