Who invented the first clipper ship?

The first true clipper was invented in 1812 by John W. Griffiths. A clipper is a sailing ship that is shaped aerodynamically so that it clips through water at great pace. It has a narrow build, a square rig and multiple large sails to help propel it through the water.

The first ships to be called clippers were made in Virginia and Maryland, and they were used to escape from pursuing British vessels. Later, they were used in the war of 1812.

Before 1812, ships that were referred to as clippers were used for trade and commerce by the British and the Americans. Later the Dutch and the French made these clippers to galvanize their sea trade with their colonies.