Le Griffon

Le Griffon (French for "The Griffin") was a 17th-century barque built by René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle in his quest to find the Northwest Passage to China and Japan. Launched in 1679, Le Griffon is widely considered the first full-sized sailing ship on the Great Lakes and is often described as the "Holy Grail" of Great Lakes shipwreck hunting. Despite its historical significance, the exact fate of Le Griffon remains one of the greatest mysteries in the history of North American exploration.

Construction and Voyage

Le Griffon was constructed on the Niagara River, and its construction was overseen by La Salle, a French explorer. The ship was built to aid in the exploration of the upper Great Lakes and the search for the Northwest Passage. It was equipped with seven cannons and was described as being of 45 to 60 tons burden. The ship set sail on its maiden voyage in August 1679, carrying a crew including La Salle and Louis Hennepin, a Recollect friar and explorer who documented the expedition.

Disappearance

After successfully navigating through Lakes Erie, Huron, and Michigan, Le Griffon reached a port near present-day Green Bay, Wisconsin. Here, La Salle decided to send the ship back to Niagara with a load of furs, while he continued the expedition overland. Le Griffon departed in September 1679 and was never seen again. Its disappearance sparked numerous theories, including being captured by hostile forces, wrecked in a storm, or succumbing to mutiny.

Search for Le Griffon

The mystery of Le Griffon's fate has intrigued historians, archaeologists, and treasure hunters for centuries. Numerous expeditions have been launched to find the shipwreck, believed to be in Lake Michigan or Lake Huron. Despite several claims of discovery over the years, none have been conclusively proven to be Le Griffon.

Significance

Le Griffon's voyage marked a significant moment in the exploration of North America. It demonstrated the feasibility of extended inland navigation in the quest for new trade routes and territories. Furthermore, the ship's disappearance added a layer of mystery and legend to the history of the Great Lakes region.

Legacy

Today, Le Griffon is remembered as a symbol of exploration and the enduring quest for knowledge. It has inspired numerous books, documentaries, and research projects. The search for the shipwreck continues to captivate the imagination of many, serving as a reminder of the challenges and risks faced by early explorers of the New World.

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