The remnants of a ship believed to be the oldest shipwreck ever discovered in the Great Lakes will soon be explored via a test excavation at its final resting place in northern Lake Michigan, according to a recent report published on the website MLive.com.
According to the report, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the state archaeologist’s office approved a plan by Great Lakes Exlopration Group to identify and excavate the vessel it believes to be Le Griffon, a ship built and commanded by Rene-Robert Sieur de La Salle on behalf of King Louis XIV. During its maiden voyage in September 1679, Le Griffon departed from the area near present-day Green Bay, Wisconsin with a crew of six and was never seen again.
Photo by David J. Ruck/Great Lakes Exploration Group
