French ship Amitié facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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|---|---|
 France |
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| Name | Amitié |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Frigate |
| Tons burthen | about 400 |
The Amitié (which means "Friendship" in French) was a large sailing ship from the late 1700s. It was a type of ship called a frigate, known for being fast and having many sails. The Amitié is mostly remembered for a very important journey it made. It helped transport a group of people known as the Acadians from France to Louisiana in 1785. This journey was part of a big move for the Acadians, who were looking for a new home.
The Ship Amitié
The Amitié was a three-masted frigate, which means it had three tall poles (masts) with sails to catch the wind. It weighed about 400 tons, which is a way to measure a ship's size. Most of what we know about this ship comes from its role in helping the Acadians.
A Special Journey
The Amitié was one of seven ships that helped the Acadians move from France to Louisiana in 1785. This big move is sometimes called an "exodus," meaning a mass departure of people. On August 20, 1785, the Amitié left the French port city of Nantes.
Captain Joseph Beltrémieux was in charge of the ship. On board were 68 families, making a total of 270 Acadians. They were all hoping to start a new life in Louisiana.
The journey across the ocean lasted 80 days. It was a long and difficult trip. Sadly, six passengers became very sick during the voyage and passed away. The ship finally arrived at Lafourche in Louisiana on November 8, 1785.
The Name Change
When the ship left France, its name was Amitié. However, by the time it arrived in Louisiana, it was called Amistad. At that time, Louisiana was a Spanish colony. The name Amistad is the Spanish word for "friendship," just like Amitié is the French word. So, the ship kept its meaning of "friendship" even with the new name.
