Talisman (ship)

The Talisman was a clipper ship built in Medford, Massachusetts, in 1853. It was known for its speed and elegant design, and primarily operated on the trade routes between the United States and China, carrying tea, silk, and other goods. Like many clipper ships, the Talisman was built to maximize speed in order to command premium rates for its cargo. It participated in the "Great Tea Race" of the 1860s, though not a winner. Detailed records of its voyages and cargo manifests are available in various maritime historical archives. The ship's career was relatively short-lived, as clipper ships were eventually replaced by steamships which offered greater reliability and predictable schedules.