Aurore (slave ship) facts for kids
Model of Aurore at Sainte-Geneviève Library
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 France |
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| Name | Aurore |
| Owner | Delacour Vieux, Compagnie d'Occident |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Fregat |
| Tons burthen | 305 (bm) |
The Aurore was a ship that, along with the Duc du Maine, carried the first enslaved Africans to Louisiana. This happened on June 6, 1719. These people were taken from a region in Africa called Senegambia.
The Aurore's Journey
Captain Herpin began the Aurore's journey from Saint-Malo, France, in July 1718. The ship was headed to the Bight of Benin, a coastal area in Africa. It reached the African coast on August 28.
Forced Transport
At places like Whydah (now Ouidah) and Cape Lahou, people were forcibly taken aboard. The Aurore left Africa on November 30. It arrived in Louisiana on June 6, 1719. The ship had taken 201 people from Africa. Sadly, 200 of them survived the long journey. Also, 11 crew members died during the trip. The Aurore returned to Lorient, France, on October 4.
Life on Board
Sketches from a later ship also named Aurore help us understand what it was like. They show how people were packed very tightly on these ships. This was done to carry as many people as possible. The enslaved people often wore leg shackles. This was to prevent them from trying to escape or rebel.
