The Hermione is a frigate whose construction started in 1997 in Rochefort, thanks to the association Hermione Lafayette. Launched in September 2014, she is now preparing to make her maiden voyage to the United States. Previously, she has sailed along the French coast, calling at several French cities and arousing public interest each time.
But the Hermione is only a replica of the Hermione, an 18th century frigate, which also originated in Rochefort. Built in 1778, she took a total of 11 months of work and was completed in 1779. It was used to hunt down privateers and merchant ships, and to protect the ships of a squadron.
But what made the Hermione famous was its role in America's War of Independence. Lafayette boarded the frigate in 1780 to join what is now the United States and fight alongside General Washington. The Hermione took part in many battles and always emerged victorious.
On her return to France in 1782, she continued her missions as a frigate before sinking on September 20, 1793, due to a bad manoeuvre by her captain in the middle of the French Revolution. After archaeological excavations in 2005, several objects were recovered and some parts of the frigate were raised, such as the rudder and the 4-metre-long anchor.
Discover the story of the real Hermione:
1- The construction of the Hermione
2- The frigate and its missions
4- The Hermione and Lafayette for the independence of America
