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It is taken for granted today that the boulder and historical plaque on River Road (actually still Buffalo Avenue to the city line), just north of the city marina, marks the spot where LaSalle's boat Griffon was constructed.
But some historians of the past had a little trouble discerning the spot. Many relied on the writings of Father Hennepin, the religious member of LaSalle's company, but then, too, some have claimed Hennepin's writings were none too reliable.
Orsamus Turner, Lockport journalist and writer of the history book, "Pioneer History of the Holland Purchase," published in 1850, took up the mystery of the Griffon construction site. Turner wrote, "The keel of a small vessel of sixty tons burthen was laid at the mouth of Cayuga creek," but goes on to say, "This locality has been questioned."
Quoting various historians of the period, Turner continued, "Governor Cass locates LaSalle's shipyard at Erie, Mr. Bancroft at the mouth of the Tonawanda, or rather did so in his history of the United States."
This Bancroft even corresponded with Turner on the subject. Turner wrote, "In a letter to the author, dated London, May 17, 1848, he says, As to the ship building of LaSalle above Niagara Falls, Mr. Catlin is quite confident it took place upon the opposite or Canadian side of the river."
But Turner, relying on Father Hennepin's authenticity, debunks this theory. He wrote, "In coming to this conclusion (that the Griffon was built in Canada) Mr. Catlin must have set aside the authority of Hennepin, who was present and taking note of all that was passing at that time."
Some historians have found fault with Hennepin's exaggerations in his writings, especially his erroneous estimate of the height of the falls and his ego showing through in his reminiscences. However, being the first white man believed to have viewed the majesty of the falls, it is understandable that Hennepin exaggerated its height. Estimating heights without measurements or mathematics is difficult even today.
Turner goes on to note that Father Hennepin's account "to be sure does not determine which side of the river" was the site, but "it is determined in a portion of his journal that follows." This portion notes the men and materials went over the portage, which at that time was on the U.S. side of the river. Boats carried materials to the Lewiston Landing at that time.
Hennepin's journal stated, "On the 20th (of January, 1679) I heard from the banks where we were (Lewiston Landing) the voice of Sieur de LaSalle, who had arrived from Fort Frontenac in a large vessel. He brought provisions and rigging necessary for the vessel we intended building above the great fall of Niagara near the entrance into Lake Erie."
Hennepin continued, "On the 22nd, we went two leagues above the great falls of Niagara and built some stocks on which to erect the vessel we needed for our voyage. We could not have built it in a more convenient place, being near a river (Cayuga Creek) which empties into the strait, which is between Lake Erie and the great falls."
Hennepin then goes on to describe construction of the Griffon and some problems they had with the few Senecas who remained in the area. The Indians often went to their shipyard, "testifying their dissatisfaction of our doings," Hennepin wrote. Despite an attempt by the Indians to kill the blacksmith and a threat to burn the boat, it was hastily completed and successfully launched.
| Niagara Falls Reporter | www.niagarafallsreporter.com | September 3 2002 |