The Clipper Yacht "America," Winner of the Royal Yacht Squadron Cup, Value £100 in the Great Match for All Nations at Cowes, August 22nd, and of a Match with the Titania for £100, August 28, 1851

As suggested by the imprinted inscription on this print, a syndicate of New York Yacht Club members, headed by its charter member Commodore John Cox Stevens, decided to build a yacht to sail to England. Their purpose was twofold: to show off U.S. shipbuilding skill and to make money by competing in yachting regattas. On August 22, 1851, their clipper yacht "America" was the first American ship to beat the international competition in the Royal Yacht Squadron's 53-mile (85 km) regatta around the Isle of Wight. Figuring that a picture of this ship would be popular with New York's yacht club members and other American fans, Nathaniel Currier maximized the opportunity to publicize this victorious occasion by making several lithographs of this suddenly famous clipper yacht, which was subsequently sold ten days after the memorable race. The Squadron's "One Hundred Sovereign Cup" or "£100 Cup" was later renamed the "America's Cup" in honor of the original winning yacht featured in this lithograph.

Nathaniel Currier, whose successful New York-based lithography firm began in 1835, produced thousands of hand-colored prints in various sizes that together create a vivid panorama of mid-to-late nineteenth century American life and its history. People eagerly acquired lithographs featuring picturesque scenery, rural and city views, ships, railroads, portraits, hunting and fishing scenes, domestic life and numerous other subjects, as an inexpensive way to decorate their homes or business establishments. As the firm expanded, Nathaniel included his younger brother Charles in the business. In 1857, James Merritt Ives (the firm's accountant since 1852 and Charles's brother-in-law) was made a business partner; subsequently renamed Currier & Ives, the firm continued until 1907.