Northern Light (clipper)

The Northern Light was a clipper ship launched in 1851 from the yard of George Raynes in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. She was known for her speed and elegant design, and primarily engaged in the China trade and the California trade routes. Like many clipper ships, she was built to maximize speed, carrying valuable cargoes such as tea, silk, and passengers during the California Gold Rush.

The Northern Light quickly gained a reputation for fast passages. She made several notable voyages, including a passage from Boston to San Francisco in 105 days, which was considered a particularly swift time for that era. She also made fast passages between China and the United States.

The ship's ownership changed hands several times throughout her career. While initially finding success and profitability, the clipper ship era waned in the latter half of the 19th century due to the increasing prominence of steamships. The Northern Light, like many of her kind, was eventually repurposed for more general cargo carrying.

Details surrounding the ultimate fate of the Northern Light are varied. Some sources state she was wrecked, while others suggest she was sold into other service. The exact date and circumstances of her loss or decommissioning remain unclear, although it is generally accepted that she did not survive past the late 19th century. Despite the uncertainty of her final years, the Northern Light remains a notable example of the American clipper ships that briefly dominated global trade in the mid-19th century.