Black Americana
Black Americana
Emancipation illustration... A letter on Frederick Douglass...
Item #696447
January 12, 1867
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Jan. 12, 1867 The front page is taken up with a print: "Isaac Watts and His Mother at the Prison-Gate" which has an accompanying article.
The feature of the issue is a letter to the editor headed: "Frederick Douglass" which provides some detail of a man who encountered him as a passenger on a railroad train. One portion notes: "...I be... See More
Early from Alexandria, Virginia...
Item #695465
November 07, 1821
THE ALEXANDRIA HERALD, Virginia, Nov. 7, 1821
* Very rare 19th century American publication
It would appear this is the very first of this title--pre-Civil War--that we have offered.
Page 2 includes: "Pirates Taken" and: "Steam-Boat Case" which involves Robert Fulton and who has the right to operate on the Hudson River.
The back page includes 3 illustrated r... See More
One of the less common titles from antebellum Florida...
Item #698998
October 20, 1841
STAR OF FLORIDA, Tallahassee, Middle Florida, Oct. 20, 1841
* Rare antebellum publication
We have had a few titles from Florida before the Civil War, but this is more rare than the others. Various news & ads of the day. The back page has an illustrated runaway slave ad.
Four pages, rejoined at the spine, very nice condition.... See More
On Robert E. Lee as commander-in-chief...
Item #698099
January 05, 1865
RICHMOND EXAMINER, Virginia, Jan. 5, 1865
* General Robert E. Lee becomes commander in chief
* Rare Confederate title from the rebel capital & slave state
Not just a nice newspaper from the capital of the Confederacy, but one from near the end of the Civil War.
The front page has: "The War News" with various items & including near the end: "...that Lincoln was ... See More
Black soldiers in the military... focus on Louisiana...
Item #697665
March 07, 1863
FRANK LESLIE'S ILLUSTRATED, New York, March 7, 1863 The front page has a large print showing Black soldiers captioned: "Pickets of the First Louisiana 'Native Guard' Guarding the New Orleans...Railroad" with a related article, plus: "The Old Slave Laws".
The back page has the illustration: "A Queer Rencontre", which shows a black soldier being ... See More
Baseball...
Item #175426
August 31, 1889
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Aug. 31, 1889 Full ftpg: 'Newport Clubhouse of the New York Yacht Club'. Fullpg. shows: 'Apostles Islands, Lake Superior'. Terrific dblpgctrfld: 'A Collegiate Game of Baseball' shows a game in progress plus the bleachers as well. A very displayable print!
Geronimo... America's Cup... Thomas Nast prints...
Item #175118
September 18, 1886
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, September 18, 1886 The front page of the issue contains a large illustration entitled "Jack Sprang Upon the Fellow, and Caught Him by the Throat" which accompanies a story "The World Went Very Well Then". Inside the issue is a very nice full page Thomas Nast print: "The Being That He Really Believes In". A one-quarter page pr... See More
Miner's riots... The Molly Maguires... Duck hunting...
Item #175266
February 18, 1888
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, February 18, 1888 Full ftpg: "Negro Sportsmen in Louisiana" shows two of them duck hunting. Half page print: "Interior of a Passenger-Car at the Moment of the Collision Near Steamburg, New York". Nice centerfold: "Sleighing in Central Park, New York City". Full page: "Scenes and Characters from 'A Midsummer Night's Dre... See More
New Orleans during the Confederacy...
Item #688128
February 21, 1862
THE DAILY DELTA, New Orleans, Feb. 21, 1862
* Rare Confederate publication from the deep South
Truly Confederate newspapers from New Orleans are very difficult to find, as Admiral Farragut entered the mouth of the Mississippi in mid-April, 1862 and finally took New Orleans on April 28. Shortly thereafter Benjamin Butler moved in and took control of the city, it surrendering without a ... See More
The famous anti-slavery newspaper... Fugitive slave Daniel Webster...
Item #678150
April 15, 1859
THE LIBERATOR, Boston, April 15, 1859 This is the famous anti-slavery newspaper by famed abolitionist publisher William Lloyd Garrison with a masthead engraving showing slaves being sold, then emancipated.
Articles include: "The Slave Case at Harrisburg" followed by: "Proceedings in the Fugitive Slave Case, being that of fugitive slave Daniel Webster, about whom various repor... See More
Obituary of naval hero John Paul Jones...
Item #675455
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1792 By far, the most interesting item in this issue is the obituary for John Paul Jones.As can be seen in the report he does not get good press in this British publication (not surprisingly), with portions including: "At Paris, in the utmost poverty, the celebrated Paul Jones. This noted desperado appeared first in the cause of Americ... See More
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is inaugurated...
Item #707451
January 14, 1986
THE VILLAGE VOICE (weekly), Greenwich Village, New York, Jan. 14, 1986
* Martin Luther King Jr. Day inauguration
* Radio City Music Hall dedication
* First observance of this federal holiday
* Whitney Houston, Bill Cosby and more
Page 68 has a terrific advertisement for the upcoming gala celebration for the first observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It was at this event that offici... See More
Effects of the Emancipation Proclamation...
Item #694139
February 13, 1863
DAILY RICHMOND EXAMINER, Virginia, February 13, 1863 Not only is this a nice newspaper from the Confederacy, but it is from the Confederate capital, so not surprisingly the back page has much reporting from the Confederate Congress.
The front page has various local items, reports from "The Courts" including: "Lewis, slave of Wm. Greener, was charged with stealing thirty dolla... See More
Will the Mormons leave? On the assassination of Joseph Smith... America's first African-American lawyer...
Item #685126
July 27, 1844
NILES' NATIONAL REGISTER, Baltimore, July 27, 1844
* Mormonism - re. Joseph Smith assassination
* Macon Bolling Allen - 1st black lawyer
Pages 4 and 5 contain a nearly full-column article on: "The Mormons" focused on driving the Mormons out of Illinois, and a bit on the assassination of Joseph Smith & his brother.
A few bits include: "...exhibits on the p... See More
Famous anti-slavery newspaper...
Item #214122
THE LIBERATOR, Boston, 1861-65 (first rate) See the photo below for the terrific masthead of this famous anti-slavery title. The ornate woodcut in the masthead features three scenes: a slave auction, an image of Jesus breaking the bonds of the oppressors, and a family about to depart for their journey to emancipation. Much of the content concerns slavery and the anti-slavery movement. Edited... See More
Mormons are settling at the Great Salt Lake... Wonderful letter on the Gold Rush of California...
Item #687011
June 28, 1849
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., June 28, 1849
* California gold rush - 49ers
* Mormons at Salt Lake City
* Mormonism - emigration
Page 2 has 1 1/3 columns taken up with great content headed: "Affairs In California" which is prefaced with: "The following letter from Col. Stevenson to a friend in New York contains a very interesting statement of the cond... See More
Commenting on the Maryland "Jew Bill"...
Item #667762
January 14, 1826
THE NILES WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Jan. 14, 1826
* Maryland Jew Bill becomes law
Under the heading "Maryland" is a very nice, editorialized report acknowledging the very recent approval of the "Jew Bill" which allowed--for the first time--Jews to hold public office in the state of Maryland.
The report reads in part: "The affairs of our state begin to... See More
The Civil War in Texas... The Alamo...
Item #172452
March 23, 1861
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, March 23, 1861 The front page is taken up with: "Major Anderson's Command at Fort Sumter" which includes 9 officers, one of whom is "Capt. A. Doubleday".
Other prints inside include: "Fort Sumter, Charleston Harbor, South Carolina" "Surrender of Ex-General Twiggs, Late of the United States Army, to the Texan Troops in the... See More
Jackie Robinson breaks the color barrier...
Item #709139
March 18, 1946
THE NEW YORK TIMES, March 18, 1946
* Jackie Robinson breaks the color barrier
* Organized professional baseball 1st Negro
Although Jackie Robinson was the first African-American to play a major league game in 1947, he had already broken another significant color barrier the year prior as a member of the Montreal Royals, the AAA farm team of the Dodgers. As noted in Wikipedia: "R... See More
Jefferson Davis' speech in Columbia...
Item #697904
October 07, 1864
THE CHARLESTON MERCURY, South Carolina, Oct. 7, 1864
* Rare Confederate publication
* Origin of the American Civil War
* Jefferson Davis speech
* Columbia, South Carolina
Among the front page reports on the Civil War are: "President Davis in Columbia" "The President's Speech in Columbia" which is quite lengthy; "The Successes of Forrest" "Highl... See More
Nice steeplechase print...
Item #174998
July 25, 1885
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, July 25, 1885 The full front page is: "The Late Rev. Samuel Irenaeus Prime, D.D.".
Among prints inside are a halfpg: "The New Bridge Over the Alabama at Selma"; a nearly full page by Thomas Nast: "The 'Practical' Politician's Love for the Negro"; a fullpg: "Fireworks at Manhattan Beach"' a great fullpg: ... See More
When Abraham Lincoln was an unknown... "Claim for a Slave", votes "nay"...
Item #686921
January 20, 1849
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Jan. 20, 1849
* Early in Abraham Lincoln's political career
* Slavery related U.S. Congress vote "nay"
Page 3 has much reporting from the "House of Representatives" which includes 2 mentions of when Abraham Lincoln voted on two topics. On a debate headed "Claim For A Slave" his name appears under the &q... See More
Confederate newspaper...Sherman advancing towards Columbia...
Item #704498
November 01, 1864
THE DAILY SOUTHERN GUARDIAN, Columbia, South Carolina, Nov. 1, 1864 A rather rare title and great that it includes the word “Southern”.
The front page is mostly taken up with ads & military notices but the first 1 1/2 columns are taken up with letters of a military nature. More war reporting on page 2 with: "Frightful Carnage" "War News - From Richmond" &... See More
Slavery... The controversial Huddy-Asgill Affair...
Item #696529
THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, January, 1787 One of the more intriguing articles is: "Letters Relative to the Treatment of Capt. Asgill, while Prisoner in the American Army, being a full Refutation of the Charges of Inhumanity Exhibited in London Against General Washington". This is on the Huddy-Asgill Affair. Website have full details, but in brief Capt. Huddy, an American ... See More
Frederick Douglass rebukes a stance on the "colored race"...
Item #684239
July 27, 1850
SEMI-WEEKLY TRIBUNE, New York, July 27, 1850 The top of page 5 has a column: "The Blacks--Labor Independence--F. Douglass" which begins: "We were rather sharply rebuked, not many months ago, by Mr. Frederick Douglass's 'North Star' for urging on the Colored Race the duty and policy of taking an independent, a separate position, & proving therein their ability &... See More
Fenian Movement... Wirz Trial... Negro Troops...
Item #633138
September 29, 1865
NEW YORK TRIBUNE, Sept. 29, 1865 The front page has: "The Fenians" "Meeting of the Magistrates of Cork County - Priest Denouncing Fenianism" which includes: "...We understand that this society, which has been so extensively developed all over the country, became the subject of remark last Sunday from the pulpits of the several Catholic chapels in this neighborhood. T... See More
Banned from hotel, Elgin Baylor refuses to play...
Item #677557
January 17, 1959
THE NEW YORK TIMES, January 17, 1959
* Elgin Baylor refuses to play in West Virginia
* Negro team members banned from "white's only" hotel
The 1st column of the front page has heading: "Baylor, N.B.A. Star, Balks at Hotel Ban", which states in part: "Elgin Baylor, rookie star of the professional Minneapolis Lakers, refused to play tonight... in protest...&... See More
John Brown on his way to the gallows... Whaling off Long Island...
Item #174948
January 31, 1885
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, January 31, 1885 Front full page portrait of "The Hon. William M. Evarts", the Senator from New York, with an article on him inside.
Inside is a full pg. illus. of: "Japan at New Orleans"; full pg. illus. of "Long Island Produce by Rail"; a very large & dramatic doublepage centerfold: "John Brown on His Way to Execution&q... See More
Huey P. Newton killed... Black Panther Party...
Item #708520
August 23, 1989
LOS ANGELES TIMES, Aug. 23, 1989
* Huey P. Newton murdered
* Black Panther Party founder
* African American activist
The front page has a two column heading: "Black Panther Founder Huey Newton Is Killed" with photo of him. (see images) More on page 3 with three more related photos.
Complete with all major sections (80+ pages), very nice condition.... See More
Jesse Owens wins gold at the Berlin Olympics...
Item #698785
August 06, 1936
SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE, August 6, 1936
* Jesse Owens victories - 200 meter gold
* Olympic games in Berlin Germany
The front page of the sports section has a great wire photo of Jesse Owens crossing the finish line in the 200 meters with banner head: "JESSE OWENS MAKES IT A GRAND SLAM!" More on page 25 with head: "Negro Wins Sit Sourly With Nazis" Jesse Owens... See More
The HMS Bounty prepares for its fateful trip... A slave ship burns...
Item #704521
August 28, 1787
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, Aug. 28, 1787 The back page has an inconspicuous report noting "The ship which has been engaged by the Admiralty to make a voyage to the Society Islands for the bread-fruit which is to be transported to our West India settlement, is now completely equipped at Deptford..." with a bit more.
This was the HMS Bounty, under the command of Lieut. Bligh, which depar... See More
Rev. J.W.C. Pennington letter - purchase of a slave...
Item #696770
June 02, 1854
NEW YORK DAILY TIMES, June 2, 1854 Page 3 provides an exchange of letters between Rev. Dr. J. W. C. Pennington, Jacob Grove, and Stephen Pennington. The content relates to the purchase of a slave and is quite interesting.
Other reports include: "Southern Views on Foreign Emigration", "Alexander Hamilton on the Powers of the Government", "Arrival of the Asia&qu... See More
Arthur Ashe's death report - dies of AIDS...
Item #703107
February 07, 1993
LOS ANGELES TIMES, February 7, 1993 (2-sections)
* Arthur Ashe's death report
* dies of AIDS...
* Only African-American to win both Wimbledon and the U.S. Open (at the time of his death)
Both the front page and the 1st page of the Sports Section tell of the death of Arthur Ashe.
Included are the main section and the Sports Section - both which are in excellent condition.... See More
Billy Bowlegs... Yachting...
Item #172162
June 12, 1858
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, June 12, 1858 The front page article "A Visit to Captain Howes, of The Schoonoer 'Mobile'" also features a half-page illustration "The British Officer Boarding the 'Mobile' and a smaller illustration 'Side of the 'Mobile,' Showing the Mark of the Rifle-Ball". A text article on "Luncan's Light". "... See More
Early from Florida...
Item #682206
November 04, 1848
THE FLORIDIAN, Tallahassee, Florida, Nov. 4, 1848
* Rare antebellum publication
Nineteenth century newspapers from Florida are uncommon, particularly those from before the Civil War. Here is such an issue from the capital city of Florida, three years before the Civil War.
Over half of the ftpg. has various political Acts and documents signed in type by the President: James K. Polk. Va... See More
Early from Florida...
Item #647352
February 19, 1848
THE FLORIDIAN, Tallahassee, Florida, February 19, 1848
* Rare antebellum publication
Nineteenth century newspapers from Florida are uncommon, particularly those from before the Civil War. Here is such an issue from the capital city of Florida, five years before the Civil War.
The front page has various literary items including: "Natural History of Humbugs". Pages 2 & 3 h... See More
Great Civil War prints... Rolla (MO)... Beaufort (SC)... Camp Alexander...
Item #689024
February 01, 1862
FRANK LESLIE'S ILLUSTRATED, New York, Feb. 1, 1862 The ftpg. shows: "Campaign on the Potomac--Guard House Near Langley, Virginia, with Rebel Prisoners".
Inside a fullpg. print shows: "Port Royal Expedition--Scene in the Military Market at Beaufort" showing many African-American slaves.
Other prints include: "Encampment of the National Army Near Rolla", Mis... See More
Geronimo captured... Oystering on Long Island...
Item #175122
October 02, 1886
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, October 2, 1886 One-third of a page shows: "The Hostile Apaches--The Captors and the Captured" shows Geronimo and Natchez, plus another one-third pg. illus. of the soldiers who captured them. Fullpg. print: "A Night Scene at the St. Louis Exposition". Another full page print: "The 'Tub Parade' at Lenox, Massachusetts". 3/4 ... See More
Slavery... The controversial Huddy-Asgill Affair...
Item #667457
THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, January, 1787 One of the more intriguing articles is: "Letters Relative to the Treatment of Capt. Asgill, while Prisoner in the American Army, being a full Refutation of the Charges of Inhumanity Exhibited in London Against General Washington". This is on the Huddy-Asgill Affair. Website have full details, but in brief Capt. Huddy, an American ... See More
Eldridge Cleaver's death report... Obit of Bruce Springsteen's father...
Item #688380
May 02, 1998
LOS ANGELES TIMES, May 2, 1998
* Death of Eldridge Cleaver
* From Black Panther to Mormon environmental & peace activist
The front page has: "Eldridge Cleaver, Former Black Panther, Dies", which tells of the life and death of the notable activist and author of "Soul On Ice" (considered a seminal work in African-American literature). The
... See More
The HMS Bounty prepares for its fateful trip... A slave ship burns...
Item #702866
August 28, 1787
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, Aug. 28, 1787 The back page has an inconspicuous report noting "The ship which has been engaged by the Admiralty to make a voyage to the Society Islands for the bread-fruit which is to be transported to our West India settlement, is now completely equipped at Deptford..." with a bit more.
This was the HMS Bounty, under the command of Lieut. Bligh, which depar... See More
On the retirement of George Washington from public office...
Item #700777
December 16, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, Dec. 16, 1796 The front page includes 18 illustrated ship advertisements.
Page 3 has a letter signed in type: George Washington, in response to another letter about his retirement from public office. Washington makes some nice comments.
Page 2 has another letter signed in type: G. Washington, as well as a report from Georgetown co... See More
Slaves fleeing into Union camps...
Item #696871
January 31, 1863
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Jan. 31, 1863 The full front page is a print: "Army Beef" showing soldiers shooting cattle, with 2 smaller vignettes.
Inside has a full page: "Contrabands Coming Into Camp in Consequence of the Proclamation", referring to the recent Emancipation Proclamation. It shows many African-Americans and presumed slaves. Also a full page with 2 print... See More
Remembering Abraham Lincoln....
Item #177220
February 13, 1909
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, February 13, 1909 The color cover of Abraham Lincoln (by Stanton Palmer) is not included. However, all other Lincoln related coverage (prints and text), as shown in the images, are present - including the standard cover with which includes Abraham Lincoln.
This issue has photos and an article of "Lincoln's Last Hours" and an illustration of... See More
Latest from Atlanta, in a Confederate newspaper...
Item #697234
September 29, 1864
THE CHARLESTON MERCURY, South Carolina, Sept. 29, 1864
* Rare Confederate publication
* Origin of the American Civil War
Among the front page reports on the Civil War are: "Results of the Summer Campaign" "Hood's New Movement" "From the Georgia Front--Affairs at Atlanta" "Latest From the Valley" "and more.
Complete as a single sheet is... See More
University of Michigan prints from 1887...
Item #175202
July 09, 1887
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, July 9, 1887 Nice doublepage centerfold: "The University Of Michigan, At Ann Arbor" features 9 illustrations of the notable buildings on the campus, including: "The Library" "The Museum" "The Medical School" "The School Of Dentistry" "The Observatory" "The Chemical Laboratory" "The Main ... See More
Martin Luther King Day Established...
Item #675959
November 02, 1983
LOS ANGELES TIMES, November 2, 1983
* President Ronald Reagan Creates MLK National Holiday
* Coretta Scott King attends signing of bill
The front page of this issue has both an image and an article of President Ronald Reagan publicly signing a bill to establish January 18th as a Federal Holiday celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King. This issue is the Late Final edition and so it contains ... See More
London terrorrist bombings... Disney's feud...
Death reports of Edward Smith and Al Loving - noteworthy Black Americans...
Item #707217
July 09, 2005
LOS ANGELES TIMES, July 9, 2005
* Edward "Eddie" Smith - co-founder of the Black Stuntmen's Association
* Al Loving - African American abstract expressionist painter
* Day-2 reports - London Bombings by Islamic terrorists
* Disney feud settled
The "Obituaries" have the death reports of two prominent Black Americans. Pg. B12 has: "Edward Smith; 81; Fought for ... See More
Slaves fleeing into Union camps...
Item #172646
January 31, 1863
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Jan. 31, 1863 The full front page is a print: "Army Beef" showing soldiers shooting cattle, with 2 smaller vignettes.
Inside has a full page: "Contrabands Coming Into Camp in Consequence of the Proclamation", referring to the recent Emancipation Proclamation. It shows many African-Americans and presumed slaves. Also a full page with 2 print... See More
Fall of Plymouth, North Carolina...
Item #697378
November 04, 1864
THE CHARLESTON MERCURY, South Carolina, Nov. 4, 1864
* Capture of Plymouth, North Carolina
* From the origin of the Confederacy
Among the front page reports on the Civil War are: "Petersburg" "Secret Sessions" "From Our Army In Tennessee" "From Sherman's Army--Sherman's Position" "From the Northern Papers" "Letter from North Geo... See More
If you are searching for a newspaper from a specific date, please note that we have a vast selection available for purchase by using the date picker on our
gifts and birthday newspapers page.
History's Newsstand Blog
- Hidden gems – Searching for coverage of an 1850 shipwreck…
- History Surrounds Us… The Underground Railroad…
- The reason I collected it: The Spy…
- There Are Not Enough Words to Say Thank You… Veteran’s Day
Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers
P.O. Box 3636
Williamsport, PA 17701
Phone: 1-570-326-1045
Fax: 1-570-326-7606
E-mail: info@rarenewspapers.com
Hours
Monday through Friday, 7:30 - 4 (ET)
Full Contact Information
P.O. Box 3636
Williamsport, PA 17701
Phone: 1-570-326-1045
Fax: 1-570-326-7606
E-mail: info@rarenewspapers.com
Hours
Monday through Friday, 7:30 - 4 (ET)
Full Contact Information
