<img src="/images/cathead_moments.gif" alt="Newspapers from Moments in American History" />
President Madison's inaugural address...
Item #702654
March 18, 1809
PORTSMOUTH ORACLE, New Hampshire, March 18, 1809
* President James Monroe
* Inauguration - Inaugural Address
The front page contains in its entirety: "Mr. Madison's INAUGURAL SPEECH" with a prefacing paragraph: "This day, at twelve o'clock, His Excellency James Madison, President of the United States, appeared in the Hall of the Representatives to take the oath ... See More
Making carpets in America... Preventing a slave insurrection...
Item #702653
March 27, 1830
NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, March 27, 1830 Inside has an interesting article: "American Carpeting" concerning the creation of a a carpet manufacturing company in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, allowing Americans to no longer be dependent on foreign manufactures, followed by the: "President's Reply" congratulating American ingenuity, signed in type: Andrew Jackson.
... See More
A pair of issues on the impeachment of Judge Samuel Chase...
Item #702652
April 14, 1804
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL & MASSACHUSETTS FEDERALIST, Boston, April 11 and 14, 1804
* Judge Samuel Chase
* U.S. Supreme Court
This is a pair of consecutive issues on the Impeachment of Judge Chase.
The front page of April 11 is mostly taken up with: "Judge Chase's Vindication" which includes to letter by Chase concerning his impeachment. The second letter carries ove... See More
On purchasing the Floridas...
Item #702648
July 30, 1806
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 30, 1806 The front page has nearly 2 columns taken up with discussion & reports concerning: "The Purchase of the Floridas" which would not be consummated until the Adams-Onis Treaty of 1819.
Four pages, some older tape mends, mild wear.
background: In 1806, although the United States showed growing interest in acquiring Florida, no formal pu... See More
The Leopard attacks the USS Chesapeake...
Item #702647
November 28, 1807
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 28, 1807
* USS Chesapeake-Leopard affair
Page 2 has two reports from the House of Representatives concerning the attack upon the USS Chesapeake by the British ship Leopard
The Royal Navy’s humiliating attack on the Chesapeake left many Americans clamoring for war, but there was little the ill-prepared United States could do to answer British aggress
... See More
Jefferson responds...
Item #702638
March 01, 1809
NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., March 1, 1809 The front page has most of a column taken up with a letter: "Reply Of the President to the Boston Republican Resolution" which is signed in type by him: Th. Jefferson.
Four pages, a bit close-trimmed at the bottom of the back leaf, nice condition.
Did Thomas Jefferson die in 1800?
Item #702636
July 09, 1800
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 9, 1800
* Death of Thomas Jefferson ?
Page 2 has an interesting report concerning the possible death of Thomas Jefferson. Headed: 'Of Mr. Jefferson", it begins: "The papers by the three last southern mails have brought account & contradictions of accounts of the death of Mr. Jefferson at his seat at Monticello..." followed by de... See More
Pony Express - collecting mail for the very first run...
Item #702621
April 02, 1860
NEW YORK DAILY TRIBUNE, April 2, 1860
* Pony Express - prior to 1st trek
* Saint Louis, Missouri
Page 3 has a very interesting article concerning the beginning of the Pony Express service, outlining the charges. The text is headed: "The California Pony Express" and is datelined St. Louis, with portions including: "We learn...that they commence receiving despatches for the Cal... See More
Campaign newspaper supporting Zachary Taylor for President... Great political cartoon for a masthead...
Item #702595
August 10, 1848
THE BATTERY, Washington, Aug. 10 1848
* Great political themed masthead engraving
* Supporting Zachery Taylor for president
This was a campaign newspaper supporting Zachary Taylor for President and Millard Fillmore for Vice President.
In the era before radio, television, and the internet it was not uncommon for political parties to create short-lived newspapers to support their can... See More
Campaign newspaper supporting Zachary Taylor for President... Great political cartoon for a masthead...
Item #702591
July 13, 1848
THE BATTERY, Washington, July 13, 1848
* President Zachary Taylor
* Rare campaign publication
* Nice masthead for display
This was a campaign newspaper supporting Zachary Taylor for President and Millard Fillmore for Vice President. And it is the volume 1, number 2 issue.
In the era before radio, television, and the internet it was not uncommon for political parties to create short... See More
On the Lewis & Clark Expedition, reported on the front page...
Item #702570
March 05, 1806
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 5, 1806
* Thomas Jefferson message to U.S. Congress
* First published information on Lewis and Clark
The front page has a nice "Message" to the Congress signed in type by the President: Th. Jefferson, with much concerning the Lewis & Clark Expedition, including: "...Capt. Meriwether Lewis...was appointed, with a party of men, to ex... See More
Jefferson is (finally) elected President...
Item #702568
March 13, 1801
MIDDLESEX GAZETTE, Middletown, Connecticut, March 13, 1801
* Thomas Jefferson finally wins
* Controversial election of 1800
Page 2 has a notable report on the election of Jefferson, beginning: "At 12 o'clock the 35th ballot was taken, the result the same with that of the preceding ballot. At one o'clock the 36th ballot was taken which issued in the election of THOMAS JEFF... See More
Remembering George Washington...
Item #702430
January 28, 1800
AMERICAN FARMER, & DUTCHESS COUNTY ADVERTISER, Poughkeepsie, New York, Jan. 28, 1800 One of the more uncommon titles from the era. Page 2 has: "A Proclamation" signed by President John Adams calling for a day of public prayer on February 22 for the recently deceased George Washington.
The back page has a lengthy poem titled: "The Soldier At the Tomb of Washington".
... See More
Lewis & Clark just arrived an hour ago...
Item #702429
October 29, 1806
NEW YORK HERALD, Oct. 29, 1806 Page 2 has a brief yet notable report datelined at St. Louis: "Concerning the safe arrival of Messers. Lewis and Clark, who went 2 years and 4 months ago to explore the Missouri, to be anxiously wished for by every one, I have the pleasure to mention, that they arrived here about one hour ago, in good health, with only the loss of one man, who died. They v... See More
Lewis and Clark return from their historic journey...
Item #702423
November 05, 1806
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,... See More
President Jefferson reports on the Lewis & Clark Expedition...
Item #702422
March 05, 1806
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, March 5, 1806
* President Thomas Jefferson
* Lewis and Clark expedition
Page 2 begins with a message from the President to the House signed in type: Th. Jefferson, with much concerning the Lewis & Clark Expedition.
A few portions include: "...Capt. Meriwether Lewis...was appointed, with a party of men, to explore the river Missouri from its... See More
The Louisiana Purchase...
Item #702421
November 05, 1803
LANCASTER JOURNAL, Pennsylvania, Nov. 5, 1803
* Historic Louisiana Purchase
* Expansion of the United States
A very notable issue as contained on pages 1 and 2 are the: "Treaty Between the United States & the French Republic" outlining the details of what we now know as the Louisiana Purchase, followed by two Conventions of the treaty which outlined the details of ... See More
The inauguration of President Wm. H. Harrison...
Item #702420
March 08, 1841
BOSTON COURIER, March 8, 1841
* William Henry Harrison
* Presidential inauguration
* Inaugural address
Beginning on the front page and concluding on page 2 is: "Inauguration and Inaugural Address" of President William Henry Harrison. Most of the space is taken up with his very lengthy inaugural address.
Following the address is: "The Inauguration of William Henry Har... See More
Death of the President, in a Washington, D.C. newspaper...
Item #702416
April 05, 1841
THE GLOBE Semi-Weekly edition, Washington, D.C., April 5, 1841
* President William Henry Harrison
* Washington, D.C. death - 1st report
The upper right corner of the front page has what appears to be almost a news bulletin headed: "Death Of The President", datelined "April 4, two o'clock, A.M." and beginning: "It is with deep regret we announce that WILLI... See More
1805 Explorers Lewis & Clark; Letter from William Clark...
Item #702413
August 02, 1805
THE REPERTORY, Boston, Aug. 2, 1805
* The Lewis and Clark Expedition
* William Clark letter to brother
* Great detailed account of their journey
The front page has a very detailed and informative letter from William Clark, of the Lewis and Clark expedition, addressed to future president William Henry Harrison, who was then the governor of the Indiana Territory.
The letter, which tak... See More
The gold ink Jenny Lind promotional newspaper...
Item #702131
January 01, 1851
THE JENNY LIND, Boston This is an 1851 souvenir newspaper from Jenny Lind's legendary first American tour, featuring portraits and articles on the "Swedish Nightingale" and P. T. Barnum, who managed her tour. Barnum's advance publicity made Lind a celebrity even before she arrived in the U.S., and tickets for her first concerts were in such demand that Barnum sold them by auction... See More
A gift for your barber...
Item #702081
February 01, 1831
RHODE ISLAND AMERICAN & GAZETTE, Providence, Feb. 1, 1831
* Early barber shop advertisement
Page 3 has a very interesting illustrated advertisement for a barber, with text on the service he provides including; "...to know where to cut and where to leave the hair so as to hide as much as possible all deformity of the head..." (see).
Four pages, rejoined at the spine, tape... See More
Early from Carlisle, Pennsylvania...
Item #702031
March 21, 1820
THE CARLISLE REPUBLICAN, Pennsylvania, March 21, 1820
* Very rare publication
* Cumberland County
According to the Am. Antiquarian Society information this was a short-lived newspaper, existing from 1819 - 1820 (information in Gregory is in error; says it began in 1830).
A typical news of the day with the back page taken up with ads, including 2 runaway reward ads.
Four pages, even toning... See More
A short-lived campaign newspaper...
Item #701993
September 24, 1816
THE PEOPLE'S ADVOCATE, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Sept. 24, 1816 This very uncommon title began with this issue, being volume 1, number 1 (not noted as such by verified in Brigham), ending on May 17, 1817, existing for just 8 months.
This newspaper did not have current news of the day but rather was a campaign newspaper in its early weeks, becoming a regular newspaper closer to its demi... See More
A religious and literary journal...
Item #701992
February 07, 1844
THE FRIEND, Philadelphia, Feb. 7, 1844 Although it calls itself "A Religious & Literary Journal" the content includes secular material as well.
Eight pages, 9 by 11 inches, very nice condition.
Still with the original outer wrappers...
Item #701990
May 11, 1850
NEW ENGLAND FARMER, Boston, May 11, 1850 Although this farming-themed title has rather mundane content, its interest is in it still having the original, brown outer wrappers it had when sold on the streets. Wrappers were almost always removed when bound into annual volumes.
Complete in 16 pages plus 8 pages of front & back wrappers, 7 1/4 by 11 inches, never bound nor trimmed, very nice... See More
The evils of drinking and attending stage plays...
Item #701987
April 26, 1803
THE BALANCE & COLUMBIAN REPOSITORY, Hudson, New York, April 26, 1803 Inside has a continued article: "To the Citizens of the U. States" concerning the evils of drinking and attending stage plays. A few bits include: "The great numbers of taverns and tippling houses...have been cause of much concern...some of those places are evidently nurseries of vice & licentiousness... See More
First American railroad publication...
Item #701985
December 19, 1835
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... See More
First American railroad publication: progress of masthead & title changes...
Item #701984
February 08, 1834
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, ... See More
With an outer wrapper...
Item #701981
December 01, 1846
THE GENESEE FARMER, Rochester, New York, Dec., 1846 A small-size paper focused on the farming industry. A nice engraving in the masthead, and this issue has an outer wrapper.
Complete in 20 pages plus the wrappers, 7 by 10 3/4 inches, never bound nor trimmed, nice condition.
Not found in Gregory…
Item #701786
November 28, 1851
THE PACIFIC, San Francisco, California, Nov. 28, 1851
* California Gold Rush era
* Rare Old West publication
A very scarce title, in fact not only is the first we have located in our 48 years but it is not listed in Gregory. This is the volume 1, number 15 issue.
"A Religious and Family Newspaper" as noted at the top, with Rev. J. W. Douglas as the proprietor. But there ar... See More
Famous comic newspaper...
Item #701762
August 01, 1876
FRANK LESLIE'S BUDGET OF FUN, New York, August, 1876 This title was one of many created by the famed publisher Frank Leslie, this one having a satirical, comic theme.
The full front page is a political cartoon by Kepler: "Fourth of July, 1876" showing Uncle Sam receiving fireworks from China.
The balance of the issue is a wealth of articles, stories, and various illustrations... See More
Swedenborgianism... of Johnny Appleseed fame...
Item #701566
December 03, 1858
NEW YORK TIMES, Dec. 3, 1858 Page 2 has: "RELIGIOUS HISTORY - Chronicles of Religious Sects in the United States". This is the 34rd installment in the series with a focus on Swedenborgianism which were based on the doctrines of Emanuel Swedenborg. The article is lengthy taking 2 1/2 columns and provides details of their founding and beliefs. Quite interesting. Note: Johnny Applesee... See More
Reports from the First Barbary War...
Item #701541
November 13, 1805
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Nov. 13, 1805 Close to half of the front page is taken up with a lengthy & detailed report on the on-going Barbary War, headed: "American Captives in Tripoli". It carries over to page 2 & is continued in a future issue.
Four pages, nice condition.
The yacht 'America' wins the first of what will become the America's Cup race...
Item #701518
August 25, 1851
THE TIMES, London, Aug. 25, 1851
* 1st America's Cup
* Yacht "America" wins
Nearly half of page 5 is taken up with very detailed accounts of: "The Cowes Regatta" in England, which would become known as the famed America's Cup race.
This was the very first of this iconic race, and since won by the yacht "America" it would forever become known as t... See More
The lottery to keep Jefferson out of bankruptcy...
Item #701488
May 25, 1826
NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., May 25, 1826
* President Thomas Jefferson
* To begin a lottery to raise $$
The front page has a nice for: "Mr. Jefferson's Lottery".
Late in life Thomas Jefferson was in financial distress and his grandson organized a lottery of his holdings in an attempt to hold on to Monticello for the family. But it would not work out that w... See More
Death by duel for naval hero Stephen Decatur...
Item #701485
March 23, 1820
NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., March 23, 1820
* Stephen Decatur Killed
* United States Navy commodore
* Duel vs. James Barron
The front page has a report of a slave insurrection in Cuba. Page 3 has a broadside-like announcement, in larger than normal type & black-bordered, announcing the death of naval hero Stephen Decatur, mentioning his death as a result of a duel.
... See More
First American railroad publication...
Item #701484
February 08, 1834
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 ... See More
Celebrating the independence of America...
Item #701482
July 07, 1810
ESSEX REGISTER, Massachusetts, July 7, 1810 The front page has much on the: "Celebration Of American Independence". Page 2 continues with the: "Celebration In Salem" and: "Celebration In Lynn".
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, good condition.
A wealth of content concerning the Louisiana Territory... Lewis & Clark begin their journey...
Item #701336
November 23, 1803
NEW YORK HERALD, Nov. 23, 1803
* Lewis and Clark Expedition begins
* Louisville, Kentucky - Ohio River
* re. Louisiana Purchase success
This is a wonderful issue on the recently concluded Louisiana Purchase.
Almost the entire front page is taken up with very detailed reporting on the Louisiana Purchase, with the first article: "Louisiana" taking over 2 columns. This is followed... See More
Slavery ads...
Item #701331
August 06, 1828
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Aug. 6, 1828 The front page has 3 slave-related ads including: "Slaves Wanted" and: "For Sale, A Negro Man aged about 26 years...". Page 3 has a: "Fifty Dollars Reward" for a runway, with much detail.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, nice condition.
Thomas Jefferson's last state-of-the-union address...
Item #701328
November 17, 1808
MIDDLESEX GAZETTE, Middletown, Connecticut, Nov. 17, 1808
* President Thomas Jefferson
* Last State of the Union Address
About three-quarters of page 2 is taken up with Thomas Jefferson's final state-of-the-union address, in which he reflects upon the past year, and his presidency. It is signed in type by him at its conclusion: Th. Jefferson.
Four pages, slightly irregular ... See More
Illinois joins the Union as the 21st state...
Item #701327
December 12, 1818
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 12, 1818 The front page has a rather inconspicuous report headed: Journal of 15th Congress" noting in part: "...Messrs. Hunter of R.I. and Edwards and Thomas took their seats this day. The two latter represent the new State of Illinois, the law to admit which into the Union has been signed by the President...The Union is now composed of Twenty-one S... See More
Uncommon title from Alexandria...
Item #701286
November 25, 1826
PHENIX GAZETTE, Alexandria, Virginia, Nov. 25, 1826 A very elusive title, in fact just the second we have located in our 50+ years.
Various news of the day with a wealth of nice illustrated advertisements. Also a: "Cash For Negroes" ad, as well as: "$100 Reward" with details.
Four pages, nice condition.
Elusive title focused in temperance...
Item #701283
October 05, 1827
NATIONAL PHILANTHROPIST, Boston, Oct. 5, 1827 This elusive title lasted just 3 1/2 years, and this is the first issue we've located in our 50+ years. The masthead notes: "'Devoted To
The Suppression of Intemperance And Its Kindred Vices; And to the Encouragement of General Morality". As this note would imply, this newspaper was focused on the prohibition of alcohol.
... See More
Early newspaper from Kentucky...
Item #701276
October 31, 1827
KENTUCKY REPORTER, Lexington, Oct. 31, 1827
* Rare & early for Kentucky
The front page has; "Declaration of Objections To the Elevation of Ten. Andrew Jackson to the Chief Magistracy of these United States".
Inside pages have a great wealth of local and national news items, plus a wealth of ads, many of which are illustrated.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, arc... See More
Existed for only 20 issues...
Item #701274
August 01, 1835
THE ZODIAC, Albany, August, 1835 This was a short-lived monthly paper: "Devoted To Science, Literature, and The Arts" as noted in the masthead. This is the volume 1, number 2 issue of a paper that existed for just 20 issues. The masthead features a nice, planetary engraving.
Complete in 16 pages, 9 by 11 3/4 inches, some light damp staining, nice condition.
Focused on the prohibition of alcohol...
Item #701253
February 01, 1848
NEW HAMPSHIRE TEMPERANCE BANNER, Manchester, February 1848
* Rare anti Alcohol - temperance publication
A scarce title, not recorded in Union List of Serials, and the American Antiquarian Society has only 5 issues.
The motto in the masthead: "Wine is a Mocker, Strong Drink is Raging; Whosoever is Deceived Thereby is Not Wise."
As would be expected, much content on the prohibition... See More
For the preservation of useful information...
Item #701252
January 01, 1831
THE REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA, Philadelphia, Jan. 1, 1831 The purpose is noted in the masthead: "Devoted to the Preservation of Every Kind of Useful Information Respecting the State". Much of the content is political and economic-focused.
Sixteen pages, 8 1/4 by 10 3/4 inches, never bound nor trimmed so some leaves are attached at the top, foxing to front pages folds, generally goo... See More
An angel in the masthead...
Item #701249
September 05, 1840
TRUMPET & UNIVERSALIST MAGAZINE, Boston, Sept. 5, 1840 A religious newspaper that features an engraving of the angel Gabriel in the masthead.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, various damp staining & foxing, minor loss at the blank spine, some fold wear.
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