On March 21, 1780, the young Marquis de La Fayette embarked on board the Hermione. Leaves for America to fight on the side of the American insurgents fighting for independence.

Two years earlier, in the arsenal of Rochefort, on a step near the Corderie Royale, Hermione was being built.

With more than 65 feet long, weighing 1,200 tons and 1,500 m2 of sail spread over three sticks, Hermione was built according to plans Chevillard l'Aine engineer ..