Did you know that the first jigsaw puzzle wasn’t meant to be just a game or hobby we enjoy now?
That’s right.
The first jigsaw puzzle was designed to assist in educating younger children in geography. It’s believed that the English engraver and mapmaker John Spilsbury was the inventor of the jigsaw puzzle around the year 1767. John Spilsbury affixed maps on pieces of wood and then sliced them into sections. When Spilsbury was initially conceptualizing his invention, he started with a map of Europe and cut it up into sections. He had no idea at the time that his creation would lead to the development of the first jigsaw puzzle. Since then, children have been educated about geographical concepts while having fun with puzzles. Different forms of jigsaw puzzles and pictures began appearing thanks to their rise in popularity and demand, especially during the early 1900s. In the early days of dissected puzzles, all puzzles were made out of wood. The term “jigsaw puzzle” came later after the invention of a specialized saw in the 1880s called the “jigsaw.” When John Spilsbury created the first dissected map, he had no clue that he would be contributing to the development of a game that would be played for so many years to come.
Puzzles are a great way to entertain, pass the time and relax. While we have loads of jigsaw puzzles to choose from, why not challenge yourself with this Apple Magnetic Puzzle and Pyramid Stack Puzzle Set? They’re sure to challenge any puzzle lover out there. Call us to order today!