Join Us in France · Sunday, September 6, 2026
Jean-François de Galaup, Comte de Lapérouse, born in 1741 near Albi, was a noble naval officer who began his career at age 15. He served in numerous campaigns, fighting against the British in North American waters and gaining experience in exploration and naval strategy.
“And he was born in the year 1741, the oldest, first child of 11 children, who unfortunately, only three of whom lived to be adults.”
“But at the age of 15, he was sent to what was the equivalent at the time of what would be for us the Naval Academy in Brest.”
“And believe it or not, he went off on his first campaign and first fights, first battles at the age of 17.”