Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles is considered the founder of Singapore because he signed the 1819 treaty that allowed the British to establish a trading settlement on the island. However, William Farquhar developed the early settlement by clearing land, building infrastructure, and defending against the Dutch. John Crawfurd signed the 1824 treaty that made Singapore a British colony. While each contributed in important ways, Raffles' vision and the 1819 treaty he signed established the basis for modern Singapore.