The brigantine Le Griffon, a vessel designed by the French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, represented a significant achievement in the exploration and navigation of the upper Great Lakes of North America. Built at Fort Frontenac, near present-day Kingston, Ontario, it was launched in 1679 with the purpose of facilitating trade and exploration in the region, which was largely wild and uncharted at the time. The ship was ideally suited for navigating the challenging conditions of the Great Lakes due to its size and design, making it capable of traversing shallow waters and facing varied weather conditions. La Salle's intent was to establish French presence and trade routes to connect the Great Lakes with the Mississippi River, thereby enhancing French interests in North America.Le Griffon's maiden voyage began its journey from Fort Frontenac and traversed Lake Ontario before continuing into Lake Erie and beyond. The ship successfully navigated to the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan, where La Salle aimed to establish further trading connections. The journey was fraught with challenges, including inclement weather and the unknown nature of the lakes. Nonetheless, the voyage was marked by remarkable feats of seamanship and exploration, as Le Griffon's construction and voyage laid the groundwork for future shipping and exploration in America's Great Lakes region, allowing for economic development and improved trade.Although the ship would meet a mysterious fate later in its journey, the significance of Le Griffon’s voyage cannot be understated. It paved the way for further exploration and interaction between European settlers and Indigenous peoples in the region. The ship’s navigational success contributed to the understanding of the Great Lakes' potential for trade and settlement, cementing its role in North American maritime history and the expansion of French colonial interests.