LE GRIFFON

AND THE HURON ISLANDS 1679

Newly Released!
Has Robert La Salle’s
Le Griffon Been Found?

Surrounded in mystery and misinformation, Steve and Kathie Libert reveal the location of the elusive Huron Islands where Le Griffon met its fate. It is here that an exciting discovery of what appears to be a colonial-aged shipwreck was found. This location is precisely where their research places her final moments. It was among these islands where, in 1679, Robert La Salle’s flagship Le Griffon disappeared. Cursed by the local Indian tribes, her disappearance became an unsolved mystery for La Salle who searched for her whereabouts to no avail. Ironically, if the ship proves to be Le Griffon, she lays quietly under tribal waters adding to the mystique of her story. Utilizing primary source documents, the Liberts take you on a historical journey of exploration and discovery in solving the first Great Lakes maritime mystery, Le Griffon and her final resting place.

Soft Cover: $26.95

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Our Story of Exploration and Discovery –
Le Griffon and the Huron Islands, 1679

Always ready for an adventure, researcher and explorer Steve Libert and wife Kathie, take you on an epic journey in search of French explorer Robert La Salle’s flagship, Le Griffon. The Libert‘s believe they have uncovered the CLUES in solving the mystery utilizing primary source documents, vintage maps and charts. They reveal the location of the legendary Huron Islands, initiating their lifelong quest in search of this fabled vessel. What unfolds is the possible discovery of Le Griffon’s final resting place.

With over a dozen of unsubstantiated claims to her discovery, Le Griffon seems eager to ply the waters once more. Many maritime enthusiasts are patiently waiting for this mythical creature to magically raise her eagle head and lioness body from the depths and continue her journey. This historical vessel sailed on her maiden voyage through the upper Great Lakes only to mysteriously disappear in the fall of 1679 on her return to Niagara. A painstaking and arduous examination of historic documents led the Liberts to a promising wreck. In their book, Le Griffon and the Huron Islands 1679, Great Lakes Exploration Group’s team offers substantial evidence that the wreck could indeed be that of Robert La Salle’s Le Griffon. The site most certainly warrants further investigation.

The Libert’s preliminary assessment of the site convinced them to engage Shipwreck Interpreter Allen Pertner. Pertner provides an analysis of the wreck site along with an illustration of the vessel produced from limited data collected to date from the actual hull and frames.

The following historical data renders support
of Le Griffon’s final resting place:

• The location of the elusive Huron Islands.

• A navigational path of Le Griffon‘s maiden voyage to her demise gleaned from primary source documents.

• The discovery of a colonial-aged shipwreck with uniquely French design features.

• Maritime history of the upper Great Lakes suggests Robert La Salle’s Flagship, Le Griffon.

• A report analysis from Shipwreck Interpreter, Allen Pertner supports the theory the wreck site appears consistent with the age and construction techniques of Robert La Salle’s ship Le Griffon.

La Salle’s Legacy

The son of a wealthy Norman merchant in Rouen, France, French explorer Robert Cavélier, Sieur de La Salle found himself more attracted to exploration in the new world rather than following in his father’s footsteps. Backed by Governor Frontenac of New France (Canada) and the King of France, La Salle would explore the upper Great Lakes region then go on to claim the heart of the continent for France, over two thirds the size of present-day United States. La Salle named the territory Louisiana in honor of the Sun King Louis XIV. One hundred and twenty-three years later, President Thomas Jefferson signed the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 making the United States a superpower in the process.

La Salle also left another legacy, the legend and mysterious disappearance of his flagship Le Griffon in 1679. The loss would be the first of many unsolved Great Lakes maritime mysteries. This elusive flagship became the first upper decked sailing vessel to spread its sails on Lakes Erie, Huron and Michigan, exciting the deepest emotions of the local Indian tribes occupying the shores of these inland waters. Her mysterious disappearance went on to captivate a vast number of imaginations in Great Lakes lore enticing mystery seekers, adventurers and historians to ferret out her whereabouts. The mystery continued with plenty of rumors and speculations throughout the centuries, but so far history has been silent. Considering the many debunked claims of her discovery, the Liberts are faced with an exciting find, a wreck site that may prove to be the elusive resting place of the famous flagship Le Griffon.