The origins of jigsaw puzzles go back to the 1760s when European mapmakers pasted maps onto wood and cut them into small pieces. John Spilsbury, an engraver and mapmaker, is credited with inventing the first jigsaw puzzle in 1767.

When did puzzles become popular?

It was around the mid 1800's that jigsaw puzzles started to become popular with adults as well as children. This can be seen in a puzzle called the Star of the West which depicted an adult and horse scene, clearly aimed at adults. But at the end of the 1800's is when jigsaws went through rapid growth.

When was the first puzzle invented?

John Spilsbury, an engraver and mapmaker, was also credited with inventing the first jigsaw puzzle in 1767. After becoming popular among the public, this kind of teaching aid remained the primary use of jigsaw puzzles until about 1820. The largest puzzle (40,320 pieces) is made by German game company Ravensburger.