Andrew Jackson (clipper)

The Andrew Jackson was an extreme clipper ship built in 1855 by Irons & Grinnell in Mystic, Connecticut, for New York owners. Known for its speed and durability, it was primarily employed in the China trade and later on voyages to Australia.

The ship's namesake was the seventh President of the United States, Andrew Jackson. Its dimensions were considerable for its time, with a length of 230 feet, a beam of 43 feet, and a depth of hold of 23 feet.

The Andrew Jackson gained fame for its consistently fast passages, particularly its record-breaking run from Liverpool to Melbourne in 1859, completing the journey in approximately 60 days, a remarkable feat for a sailing vessel. This voyage earned it the nickname "The Flying Cloud of the South," a comparison to the famous clipper Flying Cloud.

Although primarily a cargo carrier, the Andrew Jackson's speed allowed it to command higher freight rates. It transported tea, wool, and other valuable goods, contributing significantly to international trade routes during the mid-19th century.

The ship continued to sail for several decades, passing through various ownership changes. It eventually met its demise in 1900, wrecked off the coast of Tasmania. While the Andrew Jackson no longer exists, its legacy as one of the fastest and most reliable clipper ships of its era remains significant in maritime history.