Historic Newspapers: Railroad History

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Feb. 23, 1828  

* Death report of Choctaw Chief Hummingbird
* Death report of New York Governor DeWitt Clinton
* B & O Railroad expands to include Pittsburgh, PA

Page 7 has a report of the death of Choctaw Chief Hummingbird, also known as General Hummingbird: "Died, on the 23d December, at his residence near the Choctaw agency, general Hummingbird, a Choctaw chief, a the advanced age of 75... a great friend to the United States, and has fought many…

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, October 17, 1829  This 16 page newspaper has interesting news of the day throughout. A lot of the news in this newspaper is government related. Featured in this issue are interesting reports and figures on Pennsylvania canals and railroads. This issue is in nice condition except for little staining.

NATIONAL GAZETTE AND LITERARY REGISTER, Philadelphia, January 23, 1830  Page 4 features an article entitled "The Rail Road" which reports "The Rail road from Pratt street to the Carrollton Viaduct presented on Saturday a scene of enlivened and animating interest. A vast crowd of persons, attracted by the beauty and mildness of the day, and a number of members of Congress including several members of the Committee on Internal Improvement, visited the Road, and enjoyed the pleasure and novelty…

NILES WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, April 23, 1831  A brief report: "Liberia" reports that: "...The recaptured Africans have wonderfully improved...". "The Cherokees" begins: "The Phoenix of the 26th contains further particulars of the oppressive operation of the laws of Georgia & cruel conduct of some of her citizens..." & more.
A very lengthy article: "Rail Roads" takes nearly 6 pages and is very early discussion on the creation & growth of the rail system in the United States. "The Cabinet…

AMERICAN RAILROAD JOURNAL, New York, Feb. 8, 1834

* Very early on the railroad industry
* Uncommon publication

This is an early issue of the very first American periodical on railroading.
The best feature of this newspaper may be the great and very early engraving of a railroad train in the masthead, showing an engine with three cars. Note the crudeness of the train, but keep in mind this is from the very beginning years of the railroad industry. 
Various railroad-related text…

AMERICAN RAILROAD JOURNAL, New York  

* Very early & rare railroad periodical
* Trains - locomotives - lot of 6 issues

This title was the very first American periodical on railroading. Offered here is a lot of 6 issues from its earliest years, showing the change in title and masthead engravings during a brief 16-month period.
The lot begins with vol. 1 number 1 dated Jan. 2, 1832; Oct. 6, 1832; Nov. 10, 1832; Nov. 17, 1832; Dec. 8, 1832; and April 4, 1833.
Note that the title changes…

THE SUN, N.Y., May 9, 1834 Pg. 3 has a report about an accident on the Camden and Amboy Railroad, when two engines travelling in opposite directions made contact at a curve. The Camden & Amboy RR was the first RR in New Jersey and one of the earliest in the U.S. May be one of first railroad accidents! Other news of the day includes: "Another Murder" "Police Office" and more. Several interesting advertisements as well. Quarto-size, 4 pgs., archival mends to two inner margins tears.

AMERICAN RAILROAD JOURNAL, New York, July 26, 1834  This is a very early issue--a volume three issue--of the very first American periodical on railroading. The best feature of this newspaper is the great and very early engraving of a railroad train in the masthead, showing an engine with three cars. Note the simplicity of the train, but keep in mind this is from the very beginning years of the railroad industry. 
There are railroad-related articles in this 16 page issue but there is also…

AMERICAN RAILROAD JOURNAL, New York, Dec. 19, 1835

* Very early on the railroad industry
* Uncommon publication

This is an early issue of the very first American periodical on railroading.
The best feature of this newspaper may be the great and very early engraving of a railroad train in the masthead, showing an engine with three cars. Note the crudeness of the train, but keep in mind this is from the very beginning years of the railroad industry. 
Various railroad-related text…

AMERICAN TRAVELLER, Boston, Oct. 25, 1836  Page 2 has a report: "Late And Direct from Texas" which mentions in part: "...articles by David G. Burnett, the late President, ing vindication of his humane policy towards Santa Anna...".
The back page is mostly filled with ads including many transportation-themed: railroad, stagecoach, & steamboat.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, great condition.

NEW YORK HERALD, New York, February 2, 1842

* American Musuem
* Niagara Falls - Early railroad

Page 2 has a report about the attractions at the American Museum, including a model of the city of Dublin, the "Falls of Niagara, with real water", the Grand Cosmorama, the Pneumatic Railroad and some of the performances.

Other news of the day with ads. 4 pages in nice condition.

DOLLAR WEEKLY, New York, Oct. 8, 1842

* Liberty Dollar coin

Has an engraving of a dollar coin in the masthead, the cost of an annual subscription. Back page has an engraving and caption: The Young Thief. A volume I issue (number 46). Some of the topics in this issue include: "The Prize Fighters", "Western Railroad", "Mr. Webster" "John Quincy Adams" and more. Archival mends to two minor margin tears, lite staining in the lower half, some foxing.

AMERICAN RAILROAD JOURNAL, New York, Oct. 23, 1845 

* Early on the railroad industry
* Uncommon publication

An early issue of the very first American periodical on railroading. The best feature of this newspaper might be the engravings of a railroad engines and coaches as well as related railroad devices & inventions, as found on pages 1, 2 & 3.
The balance of the issue is taken up with a wide range of railroad-related articles with a wealth of illustrated advertisements as well.
…

AMERICAN RAILROAD JOURNAL, New York, Dec. 4, 1845 

* Early on the railroad industry
* Uncommon publication

An early issue of the very first American periodical on railroading. The best feature of this newspaper might be the engravings of a railroad engines and coaches as well as related railroad devices & inventions, as found on pages 1, 2 & 3.
The balance of the issue is taken up with a wide range of railroad-related articles with a wealth of illustrated advertisements as well.
…

AMERICAN RAILROAD JOURNAL, New York, Dec. 18, 1845  An early issue of the very first American periodical on railroading. The best feature of this newspaper might be the engravings of a railroad engines and coaches as well as related railroad devices & inventions, as found on pages 1, 2 & 3.
The balance of the issue is taken up with a wide range of railroad-related articles with a wealth of illustrated advertisements as well.
Sixteen pages, 8 1/2 by 11 inches, stray ink marks at the top, nice…

MONTHLY BULLETIN, New York, May 15, 1846  Actually a quite scarce title as Gregory (Union List of American Newspapers) notes it began March 15 but doesn't know when it ended in 1846. Only the American Antiquarian Society records any issues of this title and it has but three.
Various news & literary items, nice engraving of an early railroad engine in the masthead, never bound nor trimmed, several folds & various foxing.

NEW YORK DAILY TRIBUNE, Jan. 6, 1847  The front page has: "Railroad to the Pacific--The Public Lands" which would not come to fruition until 1869. Also: "From the Seat of War" which on the Mexican War; and: "From the Plains" concerns the Pawnee Indians and more.
Page 2 has half a column headed: "From California" with war-related reports in that theater.
Four pages, nice condition.

MONTHLY BULLETIN, New York, Jan.15, 1847 

* Early locomotive engraving

Actually a quite scarce title as Gregory (Union List of American Newspapers) notes it began March 15, 1846 but doesn't know when it ended. Only the American Antiquarian Society records any issues of this title and it has but three.
Various news & literary items, nice engraving of an early railroad engine in the masthead, never bound nor trimmed, several folds, minor  & various foxing.

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Feb. 17, 1849  

* Gold discoveries in village of San Francisco

The front page has: "The Grand Inauguration Ball, at the City Hall Saloon". Page 3 has a curious article on creating a: "Railroad From Lake Michigan to the Pacific". 
The back page has: "Incidents In California" which is a letter datelined from San Francisco & noting in part: "...The gold mines in this neighborhood have stirred up the natives to a galvanic activity. This…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Feb. 21, 1849  

* Early in Abraham Lincoln's political career
* Addresses United States Congress

Page 3 has much reporting from the "House of Representatives" which includes mention of when Abraham Lincoln spoke on the floor. The report notes: "Mr. Lincoln, by unanimous consent, presented joint resolutions of the Legislature of the state of Illinois, asking a grant of land to aid in the construction of certain railroads...".
This was…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., May 28, 1849  Inside pages include: "Disturbances on the Isthmus" of Panama, which has much on problems concerning the many travelers going to & from California. Also: "California Railroad" which talks of an overland railroad to the West, which wouldn't happen until another 20 years.
Also: "From California and: "Later From Mexico & California"
Four pages, very nice condition.

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Nov. 3, 1849  A page 3 article begins: "Vessels For California" which gives the details of the large number of ships leaving from the East and bound for California. The first sentence sets the stage: "The trade between the Atlantic cities & the Pacific has increased to such an extent that but few persons are likely to form a just conception of its amount...".
Page 2 has a very lengthy article: "Railroad To The Pacific - Mr. Benton's Speech in the…

GLEASON'S PICTORIAL DRAWING-ROOM COMPANION, Boston, May 17, 1851  The front page shows: "Packet Ship Isaac Webb, of New York." Inside prints include: "Encounter with a Whale" "Race Course on Long Island" "Scene at the Revere House" "Castle Garden, New York" "Gen. Winfield Scott" and "Jenny Lind" which includes an article on her. She was promoted by P. T. Barnum as the "Swedish Nightingale" was was a huge sensation in America at the time. 
Also: "Giovanni Belletti" "Interior of Castle Garden,…

GLEASON'S PICTORIAL DRAWING-ROOM COMPANION, Boston, May 17, 1851  The front page shows: "Packet Ship Isaac Webb, of New York." Inside prints include: "Encounter with a Whale" "Race Course on Long Island" "Scene at the Revere House" "Castle Garden, New York" "Gen. Winfield Scott" and "Jenny Lind" which includes an article on her. She was promoted by P. T. Barnum as the "Swedish Nightingale" was was a huge sensation in America at the time. 
Also: "Giovanni Belletti" "Interior of Castle Garden,…

SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, Feb. 7, 1852 

* Starrucca Viaduct print
* Lanesboro, Pennsylvania

The front page features a nice engraving of: "Starrucca Viaduct, on the New York and Erie Railroad". At the time of its construction, the bridge was thought to be the most expensive railway bridge in the world, at a cost of $320,000 (equal to $8,722,462 today). It was the largest stone rail viaduct in the mid-19th century and is still in use today. There is a related front page article as…

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., March 18, 1852 

* Early railroad construction in the West

The front page has: "Fugitive Slaves" as well as: "Export of Gold From California" which includes a chart. Also: "From Texas" and "From El Paso" "A Patriot of the Rio Grande".
Page 2 has: "A Plan for Constructing a Railroad over the Plains between the Missouri River and the Rocky Mountains" which is 1 1/2 columns.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, foxing to the top quadrant of the…

ILLUSTRATED LONDON NEWS, April 10, 1852  Included are two pages of: "Traveling In the United States" which includes four prints including steam ship, sleighing, and railroad. Good text as well.
Sixteen pages, nice condition.

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Oct. 5, 1852  

* Transcontinental Railroad thought

Page 3 has a nice report: "The Desert Beyond the Colorado--And the Pacific Railroad" being a detailed letter on the topography of the West, and the availability of water. Also some good talk concerning the construction of a railroad to the Pacific, which would not be realized until 1869.
Page 3 also has: "From Texas" as well as: "Military Movements on the Frontier" which is a report from…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Nov. 4, 1852  Taking over 1 1/2 columns on page 2 is the very detailed: "Captain Stansbury's Expedition To The Great Salt Lake". This is a wonderful account of the journey, about which much can be found on the internet. The subheads include: "From the Literary World" "A Dutchman en Route" "A Happy Family on the Prairie" "Game Been & An Indian's Appetite" "Maine Coffins Outdone" and "A Party of Indian Women". 
Page 3 has: "An Important Slave Case…

LONG ISLAND DEMOCRAT, Jamaica, N.Y., Jan. 4, 1853 Front page has the Carriers Address To The Patrons Of The Long-Island Democrat. Takes a column and a bit more. Others headlines throughout this issue include references to: Long Island Railroad, Broadway Railroad, Female Physicians and much more. Stray writing above the masthead, bit irregular at the spine, a few scattered foxing spots, otherwise in good condition. 4 pages.

GLEASON'S PICTORIAL, Boston, Jan. 8, 1853

* Early gold mining print

Half the ftpg: "View Of The Old Dutch Church at Sleepy Hollow, N.Y." Half page: "Off To The Diggins--Scene Illustrating The Gold Fields Of Australia" Nearly a halfpg: "View Of The City Of Providence" plus slightly smaller illus. of the Arcade, Railroad Depot, & Market Square, all in Providence.
Sixteen pages, scattered foxing, nice condition.

THE ILLUSTRATED NEWS New York, April 16, 1853  The cover has: "Arthur Spring - The Philadelphia Murderer", with related text regarding the murder which contains considerable discussion regarding capital punishment. Inside has content with related images of: "The Baltimore Shot Works", "The Baltimore Lottery", "Accident on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad", and views related to Matanzas, Cuba and both Buenos Aries and Valdivia, South America. Page 255 provides information regarding the…

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, May 7, 1853 

* Rare Jewish synagogue illustration
* Congregation Chasam Sopher
* Judaica - Jews - Judaism

Formatted very much like Harper's Weekly although predating it by four years, with the masthead featuring a nice engraving of the New York skyline at the time. P.T. Barnum was a "Special Partner" in this publication.
Various illustrations within including a small one of the: "Exterior View of the Jewish Synagogue, Clinton St." and a related article:…

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, May 21, 1853  Phineas T. Barnum was the co-owner of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly", the latter two becoming immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues, or less than one year.
Among the prints are: "Destruction of the Steamer Ocean Wave on Lake Ontario" "View On the Chenango River" "Wall Street Ferry Buildings" "Floral Ball, Philadelphia"…

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, May 21, 1853  Phineas T. Barnum was the co-owner of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly", the latter two becoming immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues, or less than one year.
Among the prints are: "Destruction of the Steamer Ocean Wave on Lake Ontario" "View On the Chenango River" "Wall Street Ferry Buildings" "Floral Ball, Philadelphia"…

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, May 21, 1853  Phineas T. Barnum was the co-owner of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly", the latter two becoming immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues, or less than one year.
Among the prints are: "Destruction of the Steamer Ocean Wave on Lake Ontario" "View On the Chenango River" "Wall Street Ferry Buildings" "Floral Ball, Philadelphia"…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., June 16, 1853  Among the page 3 articles are: "Surveys For the Pacific Railroad" which reports on the work being done to find an appropriate route for an Atlantic-to-Pacific railroad, not to be completed until 1869.
Also: "Condition of the Colored Race" which has interesting commentary, including; "...condition of the free black or colored population in the States, slave as well as non-slaveholding, shows concussively that emancipation...would…

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, June 18, 1853  P.T. Barnum was the co-owner (see photos) of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly". This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues.
The text on the front page is: "The Pacific Railroad" and the print shows: "Thomas H. Benton". Inside has a nearly halfpg: "The Patent Office, Washington" and "Departure of the Arctic Expedition..." & "Scene On the Grand Canal,…

Published by P.T. Barnum...

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, June 18, 1853  P.T. Barnum was the co-owner (see photos) of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly". This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues.
The text on the front page is: "The Pacific Railroad" and the print shows: "Thomas H. Benton". Inside has a nearly halfpg; "The Patent Office, Washington" and "Departure of the Arctic Expedition..." & "Scene On the Grand Canal,…

NEW YORK WEEKLY BUDGET, June 25, 1853  Among the articles are: "Catholic Violence" "Sad Casualty on the N.Y. & Erie Railroad" "How Felons are Made" & more. This is the vol. 1 #4 issue.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, good condition.

GLEASON'S PICTORIAL, Boston, Massachusetts, September 3, 1853  The front page features a half-page illustration "September". Within the issue is: "Jullien, the Artist" with an accompanying small illustration of him; "The Clipper Ship Sovereign of the Seas"; "Market Street Railroad Bridge, Philadelphia"; Genin's Contribution to the Palace"; "Boston Pulpit - No. 10" which includes illustrations of Rev. Andrew L. Stone and Park Street Church, Boston. Additional articles, illustrations and…

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, Oct. 22, 1853  Formatted much like Harper's Weekly, but published 4 years previous to the more famous title. P.T. Barnum was a "Special Partner" in this publication as noted on one of the back pages.
Among prints within are: "Valparaiso and Santiago Railroad, Chili" "Entrance to the Bosphorus, Turkey" "The Carrollton Viaduct on the Baltimore Railroad" "The Great Cathedral Church of Notre Dame, Paris"; 6 prints of the: "Salt Mines of Poland"  "Sketches in Otaheite…

FREDERICK DOUGLASS' PAPER, Rochester, New York, Sept. 8, 1854  

* Extremely rare publication

We are pleased to offer this exceedingly rare--and highly desirable--newspaper by the famed Frederick Douglass. This weekly title is the continuation of his newspaper "North Star" which began in 1847.
Among the articles: "The Results of Emancipation" "The Fugitive Slave Act--Proposition For Its Repeal" "What Becomes of the Free Colored People" "Colored Emigration Convention" "Aid To Fugitives"…

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, Oct. 6, 1854 

* Slavery - slaves - pre-Civil War tensions
* Rare "Underground Railroad" mention

The bottom of page 4 has small report with a rare mention of the Underground Railroad.
Because it was a secretive operation it is very difficult to find period accounts of its operation.
This article, from Lowville, New York, specifically has "underground railroad" noted in the text under the heading: "Fugitive Slaves--Bears", reading: "Four fugitives from slavery arrived…

TWIN VALLEY LOCOMOTIVE, Germantown, Ohio, November 9, 1854

* Uncommon title

Nice masthead engraving (see), news of the day with several advertisements.
Complete in 4 pages, a little irregular along spine, nice condition.

BALLOU'S PICTORIAL, Boston, April 28, 1855  A periodical much in the style of the more popular Harper's Weekly, but this title existed before Harper's did.
The front page has a print of: "May Morning". Additional prints inside include: "Western Railroad Depot, Pittsfield, Mass. ""View of Pittsfield, Mass." "View of Charlemont, Upper Village" "Peak Mountain, on Deerfield River, Hawley, Mass." "The Mountain of Me Take, Japan" "The City of Simonieseki, Japan" "The Home of Florence Nightingale"…