Historic Newspapers: Pre-Civil War

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  • Published by P.T. Barnum...
    Item #637694
    ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, 1853   Phineas T. Barnum was the co-owner (see photos) of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly" which would become immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues, or less than one... Read full description  
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  • Bound volume, with plates...
    Item #637511
    Bound volume of GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE from London, from the 1820-1840 period. Contains over 600 pgs. and has at least 6 full page plates. Six monthly issues each with a full title/index page. Nice condition.

    Item from our most recent catalog - #365 - released for April, 2026

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  • Historic newspaper item #637510
    Item #637510
    (8) EARLY YEARS OF HARPER'S WEEKLY: Lot of 8 issues of this famous title from 1857-1859, all different dates from its first three years. Nice condition & with some illustrations. A nice wholesale lot at a good price.
    Additional lots are available--inquire if multiple sets are... Read full description  

    Item from our most recent catalog - #365 - released for April, 2026

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    $80.00
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  • Four issues from our nation's capital...
    Item #637509
    (4) A lot of 4 issues from Washington, D.C., all dated from the 1820's through 1850's - from four different titles.  They contain a wealth of both political and non-political news from the early period of our federal capital.  All are complete and in good condition. Some foxing & minimal wear, generally in nice... Read full description  

    Item from our most recent catalog - #365 - released for April, 2026

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  • The President on his tour...   Site for a Naval Depot...
    Item #637426
    COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 11, 1817  Page 2 has a report stating: "We learn the President...has appointed Com. William Bainbridge, Capt. Samuel Evans, and Capt. Oliver H. Perry, Commissioners (under a resolution of the Senate) to examine and survey this harbour and bay and the eastern entrance into Long-Island Sound,... Read full description  
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  • Historic newspaper item #636876
    Item #636876
    (5) HARPER'S WEEKLY -- the first year: 1857 A lot of 5 issues but all in '2nd rate' condition. Very few illustrations from this initial year.
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  • Early plans for a channel tunnel connecting England & France...   New York firemen...
    Item #636440
    ILLUSTRATED LONDON NEWS, England, Jan. 23, 1858  Inside includes a few prints of: "The Great Earthquake at Naples" "Sketches of Native Life In India" "American Firemen" which includes 3 prints, one a nice full page; "Torchlight Procession of the New York Firemen"... Read full description  
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  • Anti-Catholic newspaper...
    Item #635744
    THE DOWNFALL OF BABYLON, New York, March 7, 1835 

    * 19th century anti-Catholic publication

    A quite rare & unusual weekly (later semi-monthly) newspaper with strong anti-Catholic leanings published by: "Samuel B. Smith, Late a Popish Priest", as noted in the dateline. This newspaper published from 1834-1839 & features an engraving in... Read full description  
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  • First mention of Judy Garland...
    Item #635406
    THE NEW YORK TIMES, Nov. 16, 1935

    * Actress & singer Judy Garland
    * Wizard of Oz movie fame


    This is an interesting newspaper for any Judy Garland collector, as this is the very first appearance of her name (as Judy Garland) in the prestigious New York Times. Page 20 has a daily list of "Today On the Radio" and among the hundreds of... Read full description  
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  • Great reporting on the Mexican War...
    Item #634816
    NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., April 17, 1847  The front page has most of a column headed; "From The Army at Vera Cruz" reporting on the Mexican War, and which includes a detailed letter signed in type by: H. L. Scott. Also two appointments by the President, promotions for General Gideon J. Pillow and General John A.... Read full description  
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  • Early inventions...
    Item #634367
    SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, November 24, 1860  The front cover has "Christman's Improved Brick Elevator" with an accompanying article. Inside the issue is: "Lyman's Improved Protracting Trigonometer"; "Cook's Improved Veneer Cutter"; "Sutton's Improved Sleigh Coupling"; "Improved Skate and Ankle... Read full description  
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  • Largest hotel, the Lindell House...
    Item #634327
    SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, December 22, 1860  The front cover has "Huntington's Improved Snow Power" with an accompanying article. Inside the issue is: "The Largest Hotel in the World" which was the Lindell House in St. Louis, Missouri. This was destroyed by fire in 1867 as reported in the Harper's Weekly issue... Read full description  
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  • Planning the infrastructure for the United States Navy...
    Item #633314
    RHODE ISLAND AMERICAN STATESMAN, Providence, Dec. 22, 1829  Almost half of the front page is taken up with a lengthy document: "Navy Yards--Present And Proposed" by the Navy Commissioners' Office & signed in type by John Rodgers, to the Secretary of the Navy, John Branch. It has a lengthy preface as well.... Read full description  
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  • Tragedy of the ship Margaret...
    Item #633253
    COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 25, 1810  Page 2 has a lengthy report "Unfortunate Ship Margaret" and the front page has: "Kidnapped and Fugitive Kings". Among the ads is: "Stop a Runaway" which was for an indented apprentice.
    Four pages, good condition.
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  • From the library of President James Buchanan...
    Item #632935
    THE DAILY UNION, Washington, D.C., 1849  James Buchanan, who would be President of the United States from 1857-1861, earlier served several offices at the federal level, including Congressman from 1821-31; Senator from 1837-1845, Secretary of State from 1845-9, and then Ambassador to England, 1853-1856.
    This newspaper was subscribed... Read full description  
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  • Joseph Fawkes's steam plow...
    Item #632915
    NEW YORK TRIBUNE, July 29, 1859

    * Joseph Fawkes & his steam plow

    Page 3 has a lengthy article headed: "Successful Trial Of Fawkes's Steam Plow" Text takes up 2 1/3 columns.
    Other news of the day. Complete in 8 pages, irregular along the spine, otherwise nice.
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  • Dartmouth College...   Mount Vernon...
    Item #632838
    GLEASON'S PICTORIAL, Boston, Oct. 29, 1853  The front page features a nice print of: "Mount Vernon, the Birthplace & Residence of George Washington" with related text. Among many prints inside are: "Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire with a nice article as well, and: "The Capitol of Rhode Island, at... Read full description  
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  • $15,000 reward for a huge robbery...
    Item #631790
    NEW YORK TRIBUNE, Oct. 9, 1855  Page 2 has an interesting "$15,000 Reward" ad in the "Lost and Found" section of the paper, offering much detail on the theft. A few details include: "...the 17th of Sept. last two Boxes were delivered at the office of the American Express Co. in Dubuque, Iowa...Said boxes, on their... Read full description  
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  • Arrival of the first boat traveling the Erie Canal...
    Item #631742
    NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Nov. 12, 1825  Near the back of the issue is an article headed: 'New York Canals" which takes over a full page, and begins: "As was expected, the first boat from lake Erie arrived at New York on the 4th inst. She was convoyed by a fleet of steam boats, gaily dressed &... Read full description  
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  • Dedication of the Franklin statue in Boston...
    Item #631688
    BALLOU'S PICTORIAL DRAWING-ROOM COMPANION, Boston, October 11, 1856  Within this issue are prints captioned: "Tufts College, Somerville, Massachusetts" "Warwick Castle"  "The Village Postman"  with a full back page print of: "The French Soldiers' Return From War".
    The prime... Read full description  
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  • Terrific engraving of a trumpeting news boy...
    Item #631686
    DEREIZENDE NIEUWS-BODE, Amsterdam, October 10, 1836  A curious little newspaper in Dutch, perhaps most notable for the comparatively large, nice engraving on the front page of a man on horseback "trumpeting" the news. Note the iconic windmill in the background. The title translates to "Traveling News Messenger".
    ... Read full description  
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  • British Hinduras...  Nicaragua...  General Walker...
    Item #631684
    THE ILLUSTRATED LONDON NEWS (Supplement), England, June 7, 1856  The prime feature of this issue is the full back page map of Central America, with an additional page of supporting text providing considerable details of the events in the region. Other prints with text throughout, mostly focused on the 1856 Peace Commemoration in... Read full description  
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  • Reporting on the Mexican War...
    Item #631663
    NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., June 29, 1847  Front page Mexican War content with: "The Proposed Treaty with Mexico" "From Gen. Taylor's Army" "Interesting News From Vera Cruz" and more.
    Four pages, light water staining, an ink stain, good condition.
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  • The Creek Indian Treaty of 1832...
    Item #631651
    NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, April 14, 1832  Perhaps the most significant content is the full page report headed: "Treaty With The Creek Indians" which has the complete text of the Treaty of March 24, 1832 with all 14 articles followed by the signatures in type of Lewis Cass, William McGilvery, Benjamin Marshall and various... Read full description  
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  • Published by P.T. Barnum...
    Item #631627
    ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, 1853   Phineas T. Barnum was the co-owner (see photos) of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly" which would become immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues, or less than one... Read full description  
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    $28.00
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  • Pirates' rights...  Plea for a Washington Monument...
    Item #631459
    NEW YORK PATRIOT, July 15, 1824  Items include: "Free Trade & Pirates' Rights" "Cause of the Separation of Lord and Lady Byron" "General La Fayette" . The back page has: "Washington Monument" which is a plea to create one, not to begin until 1848.
    Four pages, small folio size, some... Read full description  
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  • Anti-Catholic newspaper...
    Item #630420
    THE DOWNFALL OF BABYLON, New York, February 14, 1835  A quite rare & unusual weekly (later semi-monthly) newspaper with strong anti-Catholic leanings published by: "Samuel B. Smith, Late a Popish Priest", as noted in the dateline. This newspaper published from 1834-1839 & features an engraving in the masthead showing various churches... Read full description  
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  • Mary Patton, the "Daughter of Boston"...
    Item #630384
    NEW-YORK DAILY TRIBUNE, February 18, 1857  Page four carries "A Heroine of the Sea" which tells the story of Mary Patton, the wife of Captain Joshua Patton. After her husband became seriously ill on a voyage to San Francisco and finding the first mate being incompetent, Mary took charge and placed herself in the role of Captain as... Read full description  
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  • Anti-Catholic newspaper...
    Item #629961
    THE DOWNFALL OF BABYLON, New York, 1835  A quite rare & unusual weekly (later semi-monthly) newspaper with strong anti-Catholic leanings published by: "Samuel B. Smith, Late a Popish Priest", as noted in the dateline. This newspaper published from 1834-1839 & features an engraving in the masthead showing various churches in ruin (see)... Read full description  
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  • Exposing the story of Maria Monk as a fraud...
    Item #629942
    NATIONAL GAZETTE & LITERARY REGISTER, Philadelphia, Aug. 9, 1836  Page 3 has an interesting article with  small heading: "Maria Monk's Awful Disclosures". For the background on this I will refer you to our item 629961, a issue of an unusual publication: "The Downfall of Babylon". One of the more... Read full description  
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  • St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands...  fire engine...
    Item #629761
    GLEASON'S PICTORIAL, Boston, April 10, 1852  This title was formatted much like the more popular "Harper's Weekly" being tabloid-size with several pages of prints. This title actually precedes Harper's, which did not begin publication until 1857.
    Within this issue are prints captioned: "View of the Island of... Read full description  
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  • The Trial and Execution of Marshal Ney...
    Item #628234
    NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, February 3, 1816  One of the more notable items is the reporting (pages 401-402) of the  trial and execution of the beloved Frenchman Marshal Ney. Ney's execution was an example intended for Napoleon's other marshals and generals, many of whom were eventually exonerated by the... Read full description  
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  • Napoleon writes his memoirs...
    Item #627962
    NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., July 29, 1817  The top of the ftpg: "Napoleon Buonaparte" which begins: "The fact of Bonaparte being employed in writing 'Memoirs of his Own Life and Times'...".
    Inside has: "The President's Tour" and "An Indian Treaty" with the Cherokees.
    Four pages,... Read full description  
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  • Acts signed by James Monroe...
    Item #627864
    AMERICAN MERCURY, Hartford, Connecticut, February 8, 1820  The front page of this issue contains an act of Congress signed in type: JAMES MONROE. Page 2 has a unusually large advertisement for "For Governor, Oliver Wolcott"
    Other news and advertisements (some illustrated) of the day are within.
    This is complete in four pages with some lite... Read full description  
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  • Magazine in the Welsh language...
    Item #627419
    SEREN GOMER, Argraffwyr, Wales, (1834). A quite uncommon magazine from Wales, totally in the Welsh language. Although commonly spoken in the 19th century, its use had diminished in the 20th century. Efforts are being made to bring it back today. Here is a rare opportunity for an issue of this 32 page periodical, printed totally in Welsh. There is no... Read full description  
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  • Exploring the Yellowstone...   Westward expansion...
    Item #626193
    NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Jan. 15, 1820 

    * Early report on exploring the Yellowstone

    Certainly the best article in this issue is the lengthy report headed: "Expedition to the Yellow Stone" which has some great detail on this expedition, which is a very early report. The text takes over 3 pages and includes a... Read full description  
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  • Prelude to the Black Hawk Indian War...
    Item #625384
    NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, August 6, 1831  Inside has: "Indian Disturbances", from Belleville, Illinois, regarding the onset of what was to eventually develop into the Black Hawk War. Several follow-up reports as well.
    Complete in 16 pages, 6 1/4 by 9 3/4 inches, nice condition.

    As noted in Wikipedia, this... Read full description  
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  • Anti-Catholic newspaper...
    Item #625379
    THE DOWNFALL OF BABYLON, New York, February 7, 1835  A quite rare & unusual weekly (later semi-monthly) newspaper with strong anti-Catholic leanings published by: "Samuel B. Smith, Late a Popish Priest", as noted in the dateline. This newspaper published from 1834-1839 & features an engraving in the masthead showing various churches in... Read full description  
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  • Front page illustration of Prince De Joinville...
    Item #624559
    THE WEEKLY HERALD, New York, Dec. 4, 1841  The top of the front page features a nice: "Portrait of the Prince De Joinville" as well as text: "Magnificent Farewell Dinner at the Astor House to the Prince De Joinville..." which is accompanied by an illustration of the layout of the ceremonies (see). Somewhat rare... Read full description  
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  • Unusual group obituary....
    Item #623658
    BOSTON GAZETTE, Feb. 15, 1810  Page 3 has a very unusual obituary prefaced with a statement that says: "Seldom have we had to record so melancholy a catastrophe as that which follows. To see our fine army of 2000 men reduced to nothing in so short a space of time, has cast a gloom over the people, who naturally ask, ‘What calamity is to assail... Read full description  
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  • Creating a Jewish city in the Niagara River...
    Item #623544
    NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Sept. 10, 1825 

    * Hebrew city to be established
    * Grand Island, New York
    * Jews - Jewish - Judaica


    One of the brief articles on the back page reads in its entirety: "An Hebrew city, to be called Ararat is to be laid off on Grand Island, N.Y., on the 15th or 18th instant, with masonic and... Read full description  
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  • 19th century illustrated circus ad...
    Item #623223
    SALEM GAZETTE, Salem, Massachusetts, June 16, 1846

    * Illustrated circus advertisement
    * 19th century Salem, Massachusetts

    Page 3 has an ad: ""Mammoth Circus! Grand Entertainment with Great Addition In Interest, Splendor &c." re. the Rockwell & Stone Circus. Has details, plus an engraving of an equestrian... Read full description  
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  • Much news on the Mexican War...
    Item #623042
    THE DAILY UNION, Washington, D.C., Feb. 27, 1847  Page 2 has; "Army Intelligence" "Later from Vera Cruz--Santa Anna Not Assassinated--His Gambling Operations--Number & Condition of is Army..." and more subheads with the text taking over a full column.
    Four pages, very nice condition.
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  • American success at Victoria, Mexico...
    Item #623041
    THE DAILY UNION, Washington, D.C., Feb. 2, 1847  Page 3 has: "Interesting From the Army" with news concerning events near Victoria, Mexico, including: "...that Brig. General Quitman had, on the 29th of Dec., occupied the city of Victoria, the capital of the State of Tamaulipas..." with more. Also: "General Taylor... Read full description  
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  • Early print....
    Item #622937
    THE WEEKLY HERALD, New York, April 11, 1846   The top of the front page has an illustration--unusual in newspapers of this vintage--headed: "Preparations For the Charter Election, Tuesday, April 14" which is cartoonish (see).
    Eight pages, irregular at the spine, library tape across some central folds.
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  • Anti-Catholic newspaper...
    Item #622750
    THE DOWNFALL OF BABYLON, New York, January 10, 1835  A quite rare & unusual weekly (later semi-monthly) newspaper with strong anti-Catholic leanings published by: "Samuel B. Smith, Late a Popish Priest", as noted in the dateline. This newspaper published from 1834-1839 & features an engraving in the masthead showing various churches in... Read full description  
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  • The Yellowstone Expedition...
    Item #622680
    NEW YORK SPECTATOR, June 25, 1819  Page 2 has: "Yellow Stone Expedition" which is a letter fro Col. James  Johnson from near Girardeau, followed by another letter from "Off St. Louis". Two notable letters from his significant & early expedition. The back page has a curious article; "Cow with a Wooden Leg".
    Four... Read full description  
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  • Earliest newspaper from the Oneida Community...
    Item #622649
    THE PERFECTIONIST, Putney, Vermont, February 15, 1843 

    * Rare title

    One of the earliest Oneida Community titles we have, from shortly after its formal beginning. This small folio-size newspaper only published twice a month, by J. H. Noyes & J. L. Skinner. Within these 4 pages the editors espouse their Christian philosophy... Read full description  
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  • Early account of Hawaii...
    Item #622575
    CONNECTICUT OBSERVER, Hartford, March 30, 1829  The front page has: "Sandwich Islands" which is an early account of the mission work in what is now called Hawaii. Various other religious reports.
    Four pages, some staining on the ftpg., otherwise good.
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  • The Mexican War...
    Item #622538
    THE DAILY UNION, Washington, D.C., Jan. 16, 1847 

    * Valentín Gómez Farías address
    * Mexican-American War


    As would be expected from a D.C. paper, much reporting from Congress including talk on funding the army. Page 3 has: "Late From Mexico" which has the address of the Mexican vice president. Also a letter which begins: ... Read full description  
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