Griffon, the first ship to sail the Upper Great Lakes, was launched at Cayuga Creek on the Niagara R, 7 Aug 1679. A small barque, armed with 7 cannon, it sailed under the command of
LA SALLE to Michilimackinac and Green Bay. Loaded with furs, the Griffon was lost on the return voyage, likely in the storms of Lk Michigan.
La Salle, René-Robert Cavelier deHis one claim to fame is his descent of the Mississippi, upon which French claims to Louisiana were to be based (courtesy Library and Archives Canada/C-1843).
Author
J. MARSH