The Mystery of Le Griffon: The Lost Ship of Lake Michigan

Origins of Le Griffon
In the late 17th century, France sought to expand its influence deep into the interior of North America. The fur trade was booming, and the Great Lakes held the promise of tremendous wealth.
To support his ambitious exploration of the Mississippi River system and to dominate the lucrative fur trade, La Salle envisioned building a sturdy ship capable of traversing the Great Lakes.

Constructed near Niagara Falls on the banks of the Niagara River, Le Griffon was a technical marvel for its time — a brigantine rigged with sails and armed with several cannons.
Historical accounts suggest the vessel was about 40 to 45 tons burden and roughly 45 to 60 feet long — modest by oceanic standards but enormous for the lakes.

Le Griffon was not only the first ship of its kind in the region, but it also symbolized French ambition to control vast interior territories of North America.

The Maiden Voyage
In August 1679, Le Griffon set sail on its maiden voyage across Lake Erie, Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, Lake Huron, and finally into Lake Michigan.
La Salle and his men were headed toward what is now Green Bay, Wisconsin, to trade for valuable furs with Native American tribes.

By early September, La Salle and his crew had successfully loaded the vessel with a rich cargo of furs — reportedly worth a small fortune at the time.

La Salle then made a fateful decision: he would continue exploring overland while Le Griffon would be sent back to Niagara with the precious cargo.
Six crew members were tasked with the return journey aboard Le Griffon.
On September 18, 1679, Le Griffon sailed into the horizon — and was never seen again.

Theories of Disappearance
What happened to Le Griffon remains a mystery.
Numerous theories have emerged over the centuries:

1. Storm
The Great Lakes are notorious for their sudden, violent storms.
Many believe Le Griffon was caught in a fierce gale shortly after leaving Green Bay and was overwhelmed by the rough waters of Lake Michigan.

Given the lack of wreckage found for centuries, it’s plausible that the vessel sank in deep, remote waters.

2. Mutiny and Theft
Another theory suggests betrayal from within.
Some historians argue that the crew, tempted by the rich cargo, might have intentionally sabotaged the ship, killed loyalists aboard, and tried to escape with the furs.

If this theory holds, it's possible the conspirators themselves perished before reaching safety, or were killed by hostile tribes.

3. Native American Attack
Tensions between French traders and certain indigenous groups were high at the time.
Some reports hint that Native warriors, resentful of French encroachment and trade practices, may have attacked and destroyed Le Griffon.

However, no definitive archaeological evidence supports this claim.

Modern Search Efforts
For over 300 years, treasure hunters, historians, and archaeologists have searched for the lost Le Griffon.

Numerous alleged discoveries have been made:

In 1898, bones and timbers were found near Manitoulin Island, but could not be conclusively linked.

In the 2000s, underwater explorers claimed to have found a bowsprit in Lake Michigan — possibly from Le Griffon.
However, later studies suggested it was just a submerged tree.

In 2018, two treasure hunters announced a promising find, but disputes over permits and verification clouded the claim.

The truth remains elusive. No discovery has yet been officially confirmed as the remains of Le Griffon.

Cultural Impact
The story of Le Griffon endures not just because of its historical importance, but because it represents the spirit of early exploration: bold, ambitious, and often tragic.

It has inspired countless novels, legends, and television specials.
For the Great Lakes region, Le Griffon is a symbol of mystery — a maritime ghost haunting the inland seas.

Moreover, its tale raises timeless questions about human ambition: how far we are willing to go for wealth, exploration, and national pride — and how the forces of nature can swiftly undo the best-laid plans.

Conclusion
More than three centuries after it vanished, Le Griffon remains one of North America's most tantalizing maritime mysteries.
Was it wrecked by storm, sabotage, or war?
Somewhere in the vastness of the Great Lakes, the answers — and possibly the remains — still lie waiting.

Until then, the legend of Le Griffon sails on in our collective imagination, a timeless reminder that some treasures are not meant to be found, but to be forever chased.