Historic Newspapers: Search Results

THE JET GAZETTE, Furth, Bavaria, Germany, October 1, 1946 

* Nazis sentenced to death for war crimes
* Hermann Goering & Rudolph Hess

 Published by the Army Air Force Station of Furth, this is the volume 1, number er 14 issue which  began publication after the end of the war in Europe.
The collectible significance of this issue would be difficult to understate. This airport began in the 1920's and when taken over by the Nazis in 1933 it became the training ground for the Bavarian Air…

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Aug. 16, 1790

* Funding Act of 1790

Taking two-thirds of the front page and half of page 2 is: "An Act making Provision for the Debt of the United States" which is signed in type by John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington.
This was the very historic Funding Act of 1790 which was passed on August 4, 1790 by the United States Congress to address the issue of funding of the domestic debt incurred by the individual colonies during the…

NEWARK DAILY ADVERTISER, New Jersey, April 3, 1865

* Fall of Richmond, Virginia (early report)
* The end of the Civil War is imminent ?
* Abraham Lincoln assassination nears

 This is a stand-alone "Extra" edition with a same-day report of the capital of the Confederacy.
The front page has column heads: "EXTRA" "VICTORY ! " "Richmond Captured This Morning" "City Reported On Fire" 'Enthusiastic Reception of Our Troops" "Petersburg Evacuated by the Enemy" "Gen. Grant Moving for the…

THE DAILY CITIZEN, Vicksburg, Mississippi, July 2 (4), 1863  A fascinating newspaper and arguably the most famous of any newspaper printed on Confederate soil, not just for being printed on the back of wallpaper (many others were as well) but because of the circumstances which surrounded the creation of this issue.
This newspaper was edited and published by J. M. Swords. As the Union siege of this strategic city wore on, his supply of paper ran out, so the publisher resorted to the use of…

STORY & HUMPHREYS'S PENNSYLVANIA MERCURY & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, October 6, 1775 

* Battle of Bunker Hill
* Revolutionary War
* Very rare publication

Certainly one of the more scarce titles from during the Revolutionary War. This is the volume 1 number 27 issue of a newspaper that existed only from April 7 to December 22, 1775, publishing a total of just 38 issues. Brigham notes that only two American institutions have this date.
The interesting engraving in the masthead…

PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, May 11, 1775

* The Battles of Lexington and Concord
* Start of American Revolutionary War

This is a gem of an issue, as it is what all serious collectors seek for their Revolutionary War collection: an American newspaper with a terrific report on the famous battles at Lexington and Concord.
This page 3 report, datelined from Salem, April 25, begins: "Last Wednesday the troops of his Britanic Majesty commenced hostilities upon the people of this…

BROWNLOW’S KNOXVILLE WHIG, AND REBEL VENTILATOR, Tennessee, April 23, 1864   

* Very rare Civil War publication
* William Gannaway "Parson" Brownlow

W. G. Brownlow, or Parson Brownlow, was a fascinating personality to say the least. He regarded anyone who disagreed with him about religion or politics as an enemy. The circuit-riding Methodist parson turned to the press to spread his harsh anti-Presbyterian, anti-Calvinist rhetoric, and to spread his fervently held views on the…

COURRIER D'AMSTERDAM or the COURIER VAN AMSTERDAM, May 1, 1811 (No. 122) 

* Exceedingly rare Napoleon Bonaparte occupation newspaper

This was a daily newspaper published in Amsterdam during the French occupation of Holland. It is bilingual: half printed in French and half in Dutch. Two mastheads as well, one in each language.
In 1810 Napoleon Bonaparte annexed Holland to his empire, hence this newspaper being in two languages. This issue was published during his occupation.
A very rare…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England.  A collection of four issues of this--the world's oldest continually published English language newspaper--each one hundred years apart. Issues are dated 1671, 1771, 1871 and 1971.
Interestingly, the format of this title did not change much over the years, save for the number of pages increasing with the years. The 4 issue collection comes in a custom-made 4 section, acid free folder with the title and years printed on the front.
No other title can be offered in such…

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE OR MONTHLY MUSEUM, Boston, May, 1789  Rarely are we able to offer an American imprint with a period report of Washington's inauguration and inaugural address. Great to have this text in this famous magazine published by perhaps the most renowned printer of the 18th century, Isaiah Thomas, whose private collection become the foundation of the American Antiquarian Society, the country's largest repository of pre-1876 printed Americana.
The reporting of this signal event…

CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Nov. 5, 1806   

* Lewis and Clark Expedition letter
* Safe return - homeward bound

Page 2 begins with a notable report on the arrival of Lewis and Clark in St. Louis, after their 2-1/2 year expedition.
It begins: "It is, with the sincerest pleasure, that we announce to our fellow citizens, the arrival of CAPTAIN LEWIS, with his exploring party, at St. Lewis [sic]. The President has received a letter from him dated at St. Lewis, September 23, at which…

NEW-ENGLAND CHRONICLE: OR THE ESSEX GAZETTE, April 4, 1776  

* Ethan Allen as a prisoner
* General George Washington 
* American Revolutionary War
* Great year to have (1776)

A wealth of fine content in this issue from this desirable year.
Page 2 has a wonderful address from the Massachusetts Council offering praise and support to "His Excellency GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esq., General and Commander in Chief of the Forces of the United American Colonies". This is followed by the heartfelt…

THE DAILY JOURNAL, Wilmington, North Carolina, May 22, 1861 

* North Carolina secession
* American Civil War

Certainly the most notable report is the pg. 2 news headed: "Secession Of North Carolina!" "One of The Confederates States" "North Carolina Free--Lincoln's Military Despotism Repudiated" which also includes the two "Ordinance" reports for secession and for ratifying the Confederate Constitution.
Relating to this page 2 also has: "The passage of the secession ordinance by the…

AI ANGLO SACSUN, New York, May 29, 1847  

* Promoting the spelling of words phonetically

Here is one of the more fascinating newspapers that was in the private collection.
This newspaper--which is volume 1, number 11--attempted to exploit a movement to spell words phonetically, just as they sounded. So their motto in the dateline is: "Devoted Tu Ai Difyushun ov Nolej and Nuz, Tru Ai Medium of Fonotipi, or the Tru System ov Spelin Wurdz As Iz, Just Az ae are Pronnst." (difficult to translate as…

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, March 30, 1776

* Rare Revolutionary War era title
* Tory issue from Pennsylvania
* Great year to have (1776)

This was a decidedly Tory newspaper, supportive of the British efforts in America. This newspaper ended publication in June, 1778 when the British evacuated the city.
The entire front page and a portion of the back page are filled with a terrific letter signed by "A Common Man" headed: "To Cato, Cassandra, and all the Writers on the…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 2, 1803  

* Historic Louisiana Purchase
* Expansion of the United States

The top of the front page has an historic notice headed: "Louisiana Treaty" announcing the ratification of the treaty by the Senate by which the United States acquired the Louisiana Territory, referred to now as the Louisiana Purchase. It lists the names of the senators who voted against the treaty and those who voted in favor of the treaty.
This report is followed by the text of…

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, June 23, 1778  Most of the front page is taken up with an address of the governor of New Jersey to the General Assembly concerning the Revolutionary War.
It begins: "I heartily congratulate you upon the agreeable news we have received from France...The treaties of alliance & of amity & commerce between his Most Christian Majesty & the United States of America by which our freedom, sovereignty & independence are fully recognized..." with much more, portions…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Aug. 7, 1790  

* United States Funding Act of 1790
* President George Washington signs
* Also John Adams & Thomas Jefferson

Taking about a full page of text including almost all of page 2 is: "An Act making Provision for the Debt of the United States" which is signed in type by John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington.
This was the very historic Funding Act of 1790 which was passed on August 4, 1790 by the United States Congress to…

NATIONAL GAZETTE, Philadelphia, Feb. 20, 1793

* President George Washington
* Historic 2nd election victory

By far the most significant item in this issue is the page 3 report announcing the opening of the votes for President & Vice President.
History tells us that it was on February 13, 1793, when Congress officially tabulated the votes from the election of 1792.  Page 3 has a report datelined February 20 which states: "On Wednesday last [the 13th] both houses of Congress met in…

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE PHILADELPHIA MARKET-DAY ADVERTISER, March 4, 1778 

* Battle of Brandywine - Creek
* Chadds Ford Township, Pennsylvania
* American Revolutionary War

This was a strongly Tory (pro-British) newspaper that began in 1775 and closed shop in May of 1778 when the British evacuated Philadelphia, so much of the content within is with a pro-British bias.
Rare to find such Tory newspapers in America, and those from Philadelphia would not survive beyond the brief…

THE VILLAGE VOICE, New York  A six issue set of issues containing the entire series of six articles on the life & career of Bob Dylan. The dates are March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 17 and 24, 1969.
All are authored by Toby Thompson when he traveled to Dylan's hometown of Hibbing, Minnesota. Each of the articles have a subtitle: "A Good Family Boy" "Join the Elvis Rebellion" "Electric Bob Dylan Plugs In" "Bob Dylan's Ice-skates?" "Bob Dylan and the 'Girl From the North Country' " and: "For Old…

THE NEW YORK HERALD, April 15, 1865  

* Abraham Lincoln assassination (1st report)
* Ford's Theater - John Wilkes Booth

This issue would rank among the most famous of all Lincoln assassination newspapers, as almost all issues found on the market today are one of the many reprint editions that have turned up for decades.
This is the genuine issue. And better yet it is the "3:00 a.m. Special Edition" as identified by the Library of Congress:
3:00 a.m. Special edition. 8 pages. The…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, May 19, 1790  

* Benjamin Franklin death funeral - eulogy 

The entire front page and most of page 2 are taken up with lengthy & very detailed discussion on: "Congress - House of Representatives" on the report of the Secretary of the Treasury.
Page 2 has two-thirds of a column headed: "Notices Of Dr. Franklin" which reads like a eulogy on him, having died just the previous month. A few bits note: "...is astonishing how the whole city was moved--His…

THE CRISIS, Columbus, Ohio, March 8, 1865 

* Abraham Lincoln's inauguration
* Inaugural address on the ftpg.
* Closing weeks of the Civil War - pro-Confederate title

Among the front page reports is: "Inauguration of President Lincoln--His Address" which contains his address in full, ending with the immortal words: "With malice towards none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right...".
Page 4 has an editorial headed: "Lincoln's Inaugural",…

THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Nov. 14, 1796  

* President George Washington
* Farewell Address (retirement) 

Taking a full column on the front page, all of pages 2, and a bit of page 3 is an historic report headed "AMERICA - The President's Speech To the United States off America", more commonly known as Washington's Farewell Address.
The nation's first President announces his retirement from politics and explains why he decided against running for a third term.
In the…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, March 8, 1665 (1666 in today's calendar)  

* Very rare 17th century Jewish prophet mention

The back page has a report from Vienna noting in part: "The Jews in this city have made a publick jubilee, with great expressions of joy, upon the news they have brought them, of the success of their brethren in Asia against the Turk, which continues to be confirmed from several parts, though with some difference of circumstances." Note: This is in reference to…

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE PHILADELPHIA MARKET-DAY ADVERTISER, Feb. 28, 1778 

* Revolutionary War Tory original
* Rare Pro British issue from America

This was a strongly Tory (supportive of the British cause) newspaper which began in 1775 and closed shop in May of 1778 when the British evacuated Philadelphia.
Half of the front page first column is a: "Proclamation" signed by: W. Howe, concerning naval affairs. Page 2 has: "It cannot have escaped the notice...that this country has…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1772

* Nice map of "West Florida"
* Pensacola, Florida, to New Orleans, Louisiana
* Plate of a rare bird from the Hudson Bay

Certainly the most notable item in this issue is the very nice foldout map titled: "A Map of Part of WEST FLORIDA" from Pensacola to the Mouth of Iberville River, with a View to shew the Proper Spot for a Settlement on the Mississippi." The map shows much detail (see) and includes a nice inset of a "Plan for a New…

Detailed review of Les Misérables...

THE ATLANTIC MONTHLY, (Boston), July, 1863 

* Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Chiefly About War Matters"
* an original, contemporary printing - 1st appearance
signed with the pen name "A Peaceable Man"
* same year review of Victor Hugo's, "Les Misérables"

When one thinks of Nathaniel Hawthorne, most minds are rightfully immediately drawn to his masterpiece, "The Scarlet Letter," which was very critical of Puritanical New England morays and hypocrisy. However, his pen also took a shot at…

KERENS ENTERPRISE, Texas, Aug. 29, 1889  An exceedingly rare newspaper, in fact this is the only issue recorded anywhere according to Gregory's "Union List of American Newspapers". It notes that Kerens only had one newspaper through at least 1936, and this was it. It also notes that just one institution had any issues, and it (Bancroft Library) had just one issue. It has since been deaccessioned and it is this one being offered.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, a few minor archival mends at…

THE ATLANTIC MONTHLY, February, 1869

* Walt Whitman's "Proud Music of the Sea Storm" - 1st appearance
* submitted to The Atlantic Monthly on behalf of Whitman as a favor

Pages 199-203 have Walt Whitman's, "Proud Music of the Sea Storm," which, according to the Walt Whitman Archive, has the distinction of being a poem submitted to The Atlantic Monthly by Ralph Waldo Emerson, as a favor to Whitman. It would later be published in an update of his noteworthy collection, "Leaves of Grass."…

SEMI-WEEKLY TRIBUNE, June 22, 1850 

* Walt Whitman - American poet
* 2nd Appearance of "Resurgemus"

A very notable issue for any literary collector as the front page contains at the head of the first column the second newspaper appearance of Walt Whitman's poem "Resurgemus" signed by him in type at its conclusion: Walter Whitman. The very first appearance was on page 3 of the daily edition the day prior. It was also reprinted at a later date in the N.Y. Evening Post.
Complete in 8…

THE POLYNESIAN, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands, Aug. 31, 1844 

* Very rare 19th century Hawaiian publication

One of the earliest newspapers we have offered from Hawaii, and fourteen years earlier than the few of this title we offered in recent years.
The "first series" of this title existed for just 1 1/2 years from 1840 to 1841. It proved unprofitable and was shut down. The editor reestablished the paper under the same title in May, 1844. Two months later it become the "Official…

EDWARDSVILLE SPECTATOR, Illinois, June 5, 1819

* VERY rare publication
* Madison County, Illinois

 This is the earliest newspaper from Illinois we have offered. Not only that, it is eleven years earlier than the previous earliest newspaper from this state. And it is the volume 1, number 2 issue. Keep in mind that Illinois just became a state six months previous.
It is notable that the two volume reference work "History & Bibliography of American Newspapers" by C. Brigham has but seven…

WAPAKONETA DAILY NEWS, Ohio, July 21, 1969  

* Best issue to have on this historic event ?
* Neil Armstrong's hometown newspaper

A great issue on this significant event as this newspaper is from Neil Armstrong's hometown. Typically issues of this date carried a headline "Man Walks On Moon" but this hometown newspaper personalized the report honoring their local hero with: "NEIL STEPS ON THE MOON".
This is likely the only newspaper in the country with such a headline, and not being able…

NEW YORK TIMES, September 11, 12 & 13, 1866  A terrific and very historic trio of newspapers relating to the first theatrical musical, "The Black Crook".
As Wikipedia notes: "Its significance is being considered the first piece of musical theater that conforms to the modern notion of a "book musical". The book is by Charles M. Barras, an American playwright. The music is mostly adaptations, but some new songs were composed for the piece. It opened on September 12, 1866 at Niblo's Garden on…

THE OXFORD GAZETTE, England, January 25, 1665 (1666 by today's calendar) - issue #21  

* Rarest & Earliest of newspapers to be had
* 17th century Jewish content - Jews - Judaica

This is an extremely famous--and rare--title, being the predecessor of the famous "London Gazette", the oldest continually published English language newspaper in the world. Because of the Plague at this time, the Royal Court had removed itself from London to Oxford when this newspaper began, so issues #1 thru…

NEW YORK TIMES, Sept. 17, 1866  Although an inconspicuous listing on page 7, the advertisement for the Broadway production of the "Black Crook" is quite significant. And even more significant is the page 4 review of the production, as the "Black Crook" is honored in theater history as the first modern musical.
As Wikipedia notes: "Its significance is being considered the first piece of musical theater that conforms to the modern notion of a "book musical" The book is by Charles M. Barras, an…

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Nov. 13, 1781 

* Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown
* American Revolutionary War ending

A terrific issue as not only does it contain a fine account of the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, but it consumes the entire front page, carries over to take most of page 2, with additional information on page 3 as well.
The front page begins with a letter from Col. Tilghman, Aid de Camp to General Washington, datelined: "Head Quarters,…

Pamphlet: "An EXTRACT from a late SERMON On the Death of the Reverend Mr. Joseph Emerson, Pastor of the First Church in Malden, Who Died very suddenly On Monday Evening July 13th, 1767. In the 68th Year of his Age. Delivered at Malden, By Joseph Emerson, A.M. Pastor of the Church at Pepperrell.
Boston: Printed by Edes & Gill...MDCCLXVII [1767]
Complete in 24 pages with full title page containing wide mourning rules, never bound nor trimmed with wide margins, original string binding, 5 by 7…

THE JOURNALISTS' CLUB BAZOO, Baltimore, March 11, 1899  

* Very rare one-off publication

An interesting and quite rare comic newspaper (bazoo is slang for mouth), noted sa "Vol. 12,999" and issue: "No. 000".
The drama it, full column headlines relate to a report--in very small type at the bottom: "...a newspaper man...as yet unknown...was detected in the act of deliberately PAYING for a ham sandwich which he had previously eaten...".
This edition--which may be unique--was created for…

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, April 24, 1781  

* Battle of Guilford Courthouse
* Greensboro, North Carolina
* General Charles Cornwallis loss

Page 2 has some nice war content. The 2nd column begins with: "By accounts from General Greene's army as late as the 24th ultimo, we learn that Lord Cornwallis is retreating towards Cross Creek and that our army was in pursuit of him."
There is also some nice talk about the historic Battle of Guilford Court House fought on March…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., March 8, 1853  

* Creation of Washington Territory
* United States Congress passes

Being the "mouthpiece of the federal government", typically this newspaper was the first to report notable political reports and developments So it is no surprise that nearly half of the front page is taken up with the Act of Congress creating the Washington Territory.
Headed: "Laws OF The United States - An ACT to Establish the Territorial Government of…

DEADWOOD DAILY PIONEER, Black Hills, (South Dakota) July 27, 1889  This city would arguably be--along with Tombstone & Dodge City--one of the more famous of all the towns from the rough & tumble days of the Old West, and only rarely do such issues come to light. It attracted larger-than-life Old West figures including Wyatt Earp, Calamity Jane, and Wild Bill Hickok (who was killed there). "Union List of Newspapers" notes only two institutions have but scattered 19th century issues of this…

THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, October 11, 1781 

* American Revolutionary War original
* American Issac Hayne's execution - hanging

Most of the front page is taken up with various correspondences from and to C. Fraser, Isaac Hayne, Lord Rawdon & John Collock, with a prefacing note: "The following are authentic copies of sundry papers which  Col. Isaac Hayne, two days before his execution, delivered to a friend with an injunction...".
Col. Isaac Hayne was one of the most prominent…

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Nov. 6, 1781  

* Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown
* American Revolutionary War ending

Certainly the most notable content is an early report of the capture of Cornwallis at Yorktown.
The page 2 report notes in part: "The General is happy in congratulating this army on the following authentic & interesting intelligence, received from the southward. That on the 15th instant two of the enemy's redoubts at York-Town were…

DEADWOOD DAILY PIONEER, Black Hills, (South Dakota) July 25, 1889  This city would arguably be--along with Tombstone & Dodge City--one of the more famous of all the towns from the rough & tumble days of the Old West, and only rarely do such issues come to light. It attracted larger-than-life Old West figures including Wyatt Earp, Calamity Jane, and Wild Bill Hickok (who was killed there). "Union List of Newspapers" notes only two institutions have but scattered 19th century issues of this…