Red Jacket

Print by Roy (David) Macgregor (British 1860-1950)

“Red Jacket” stands as one of the largest and fastest American clipper ships ever built. Featuring a 255-foot deck, she was designed by Boston naval architect Samuel Hartt Pook for the owners Seacombe and Taylor, and constructed by George Thomas in Rockland, Maine. The vessel was launched in November 1853.

Her name honors Sa Go Ye Wat Ha—also known as Sagoyewatha, meaning “he who keeps them awake”—the renowned Seneca orator and leader. He supported the British during the American Revolution, which earned him a red uniform and the nickname “Red Jacket.” In later years, he became a powerful advocate for peace, Native American culture, and the Iroquois Confederacy. In 1792, he led Iroquois chiefs to Philadelphia to help mediate frontier conflicts, and during the War of 1812, he aligned with the Americans against the British.

In January 1854, “Red Jacket” embarked on her maiden voyage from New York to Liverpool. After being acquired by British owners, she was refitted to carry immigrants and cargo to Australia. That May, she was chartered by the White Star Line for a voyage to Melbourne, arriving in just 69 days with around 450 passengers—an impressive feat that marked one of the fastest passages of its time.

A print published in 1855 by Nathaniel Currier captures the ship during a dramatic moment on her return journey, when she was trapped for four days in an ice field near Cape Horn. This notoriously dangerous route around the southern tip of South America exposed ships to violent winds, massive waves, and drifting Antarctic ice. Despite the delay, “Red Jacket” completed the journey to Liverpool in 73 days, carrying all passengers safely along with a valuable cargo of gold—reportedly about 45,000 ounces.

Renowned for her remarkable speed, “Red Jacket” became a popular choice for travelers and continued transporting passengers and cargo between England and Australia into the early 1860s.