The Paddle Steamer Persia Outward Bound

The Persia was built by Robert Napier & Sons. Ltd., Glasgow in 1855. She was the first iron-hulled ship built for the Cunard line and was the largest vessel in the world at that time. Her maiden voyage from Liverpool to New York departed on 26 January 1856 where she struck an iceberg but made New York under sail power. She captured the Blue Ribband of the Atlantic for the fastest crossing in both directions and held it unitl 1863, when she lost it to her near sister and last Cunard paddle steamer The Scotia. Her last transantlantic crossing was in 1867. She was sold the following year, her engines removed and laid up until scrapping on the Thames in 1872.