235 Years Later, Lafayette's Ship, The Hermione, Sails Again To America
April 19, 2015
This is L'Hermione, the ship that carried Le Marquis de Lafayette from France to Boston in 1780 to help the American revolutionaries fight the Brits.
Three years before, when he was just 19 years old, Lafayette offered his services to the insurgent American army. After fighting in several battles and being wounded, he returned to France in 1779 to seek aid from King Louis XVI on behalf of the American revolutionaries. He came back with a whole army.
17 years ago, a group of French restoration enthusiasts had the crazy idea to recreate a life-size replica of the ship using only eighteenth-century shipbuilding techniques.
The project attracted artisan craftsmen from France, Britain, Germany, Spain and Sweden.
Over 8,000 people have worked on it.
The project was financed by the local government as well as crowd-funding and tourist donations as the construction site was open to the public.
Here it is in La Rochelle, getting ready to sail.
Little treats for the American friends.
The Hermione left France on April 18 to pay a visit to America. It took 38 days for Lafayette to make the journey.
The first stop in America will be at Yorktown, New York, on June 5.
There will be at least 11 dockings in American harbors on the East coast - Baltimore, New York, Annapolis, Philadelphia, Newport, and Boston.
Website for the project: Hermione.com
Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz
Couple Rescues Prairie Dog From Their Dog's Mouth, Then Decides To Adopt It
Ohio Man Makes Waves With His Fully Functioning Hot Dog Boat
Teacher’s Final Wish: Backpacks For Students In Need Fill The Aisles At Her Funeral
Why Hope Is The Key To A Meaningful Life, Backed By New Research
These Are The Movie Scenes People Say Are Absolutely Flawless
Judge Waives Parking Fines So Dad Can Keep Supporting Son’s Space Dreams
Every Day, This Golden Retriever Leaps Into The Pig Pen To Play With The Piglets
Dog Saves His Best Friend's Life In Incredible Moment Caught On Video
Woman Tries To Help Bird, Then This Happened... And We Can't Stop Laughing
Newborn Baby Has Sweet Conversation With Dad While Lying On Mom’s Face
Sassy Pig Throws Hilarious Tantrum, Slams Door And Gives Mom Silent Treatment