The Wild West
The term "wild west" conjures many things in the mind—criminal outlaws like Billy the Kid or Jesse James, the California Gold Rush, or the folklore associated with the American frontier. We welcome you to browse our Wild West newspaper inventory or learn more about American Wild West newspapers at our main Wild West page.The Wild West
The term "wild west" conjures many things in the mind—criminal outlaws like Billy the Kid or Jesse James, the California Gold Rush, or the folklore associated with the American frontier. We welcome you to browse our Wild West newspaper inventory or learn more about American <a href="http://www.rarenewspapers.com/entry/wild_west">Wild West newspapers</a> at our main Wild West page.
Just four years after the California Gold Rush began...
Item #684538
May 04, 1853
SAN FRANCISCO DAILY HERALD, California, May 4, 1853
* Early and rare from California
* During the gold rush
A very early newspaper from California, just four years after the start of the famous California Gold Rush of 1849.
Various news of the day & a great wealth of ads, many of the ads relating to land sale and mining-related concerns.
Four pages, good condition.... See More
Journey from Salem to Gervais...
Item #684510
July 27, 1874
SALEM DAILY RECORD, Oregon, July 27, 1874 A very rare title as this is a volume issue of a newspaper that existed for just over one year. Gregory notes that only 3 institutions have any holdings, one of which has but a single issue.
Today Salem is the capital of Oregon. Page 3 has nearly a full column article on: "The Gervais Excursion" telling of a travel from Salem to the town o... See More
Town was founded in the gold rush era...
Item #684506
October 24, 1881
GRASS VALLEY DAILY TIDINGS & FREE LANCE, California, Oct. 24, 1881
* Rare old West publication
* Many interesting advertisements
Grass Valley, which was originally known as Boston Ravine and later named Centerville, dates from the California Gold Rush. Gold was discovered at Gold Hill in October, 1850 and population grew around the mine. When a post office was established in 1851,... See More
Very scarce title from Vallejo, California...
Item #684502
November 29, 1873
VALLEJO DAILY INDEPENDENT, California, Nov. 29, 1873
* Rare Old West publication
A quite scarce newspaper from this town in the northern portion of the San Francisco Bay. It was named after Don Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, the famed California general and statesman. He was a leading proponent of California's statehood and one of the first members of the California State Senate.
Thi... See More
First of this title we have offered?
Item #684501
March 08, 1872
GRASS VALLEY REPUBLICAN, Grass Valley, Nevada County, California, March 8, 1872
* Rare wild old West publication
Grass Valley, which was originally known as Boston Ravine and later named Centerville, dates from the California Gold Rush. Gold was discovered at Gold Hill in October, 1850 and population grew around the mine. When a post office was established in 1851, it was renamed Gras... See More
From this famous mining town in Nevada...
Item #684500
December 19, 1871
THE DAILY STATE REGISTER, Carson City, Nevada, Dec. 19, 1871
* Wild Old West
* Rare publication
Situated just east of Lake Tahoe at the western "elbow" of the state, this issue from its heyday during the mining era has various news, ads and notices on the front page, with much news on page 2.
Carson City is named for the famed mountain man Kit Carson & is about 30 mile... See More
A special 26 page issue of a Utah territorial newspaper...
Item #684499
December 25, 1886
SALT LAKE DAILY HERALD, Salt Lake City, Utah, Dec. 25, 1886
* Mormons - Mormonism
This was still a Territorial newspaper as Utah would not become a state for another ten years.
This is a somewhat social 26 page edition, which includes "The Christmas Herald" as well, and also includes a review of the events of the year.
Complete in 26 pages, never bound nor trimmed so many ... See More
Second issue of a short-lived newspaper...
Item #684498
January 07, 1882
CALIFORNIA POLITICAL RECORD, San Francisco, Jan. 14, 1882 This is the volume 1, number 2 issue of a newspaper which lasted just 2 1/2 years. Nice patriotic engraving in the masthead. The front page has a print of William H. Bodfish captioned: "Honest But Queer" and page 3 has a print of; "Old Honesty - Maurice C. Blake, Mayor of San Francisco"
Four pages, a few minor mar... See More
Gateway to the gold fields...
Item #684497
May 28, 1875
MARYSVILLE WEEKLY APPEAL, California, May 28, 1875
* Rare Old West publication
In the days of the California Gold Rush, Marysville was a stopping point for riverboats from Sacramento and San Francisco that carried miners on their way to the digging grounds. A sign on the roadside as one enters Marysville carries the slogan: "Gateway to The Gold Fields." At that time it was on... See More
Early & very nice newspaper from San Diego...
Item #684317
October 15, 1871
SAN DIEGO DAILY UNION, California, Oct. 15, 1871
* Rare & early from Southern California
Very early from San Diego--a volume 2 issue--when the population was just 2300, with a nice engraving of the harbor in the masthead. All four pages have various news tidbits of the day, including local, regional, and national reports. A great wealth of advertisements as well, several of w... See More
Early & very nice newspaper from San Diego...
Item #684312
October 06, 1871
SAN DIEGO DAILY UNION, California, Oct. 6, 1871 Very early from San Diego--a volume 2 issue--when the population was just 2300, with a nice engraving of the harbor in the masthead.
The front page has: "Arizona - Gen. Crook at Fort Whipple" with several reports.
Four pages, 12 by 18 inches, printed on high-quality newsprint, very nice condition.
Early & very nice newspaper from San Diego...
Item #684311
October 05, 1871
SAN DIEGO DAILY UNION, California, Oct. 5, 1871 Very early from San Diego--a volume 2 issue--when the population was just 2300, with a nice engraving of the harbor in the masthead.
The front page has a column taken up with: "A Trip in the Mountains" which mentions the town of Julian and many others.
Also on the front page: "Arizona Correspondence--Letter from Tucson--A... See More
Early & very nice newspaper from San Diego...
Item #684310
October 04, 1871
SAN DIEGO DAILY UNION, California, Oct. 4, 1871
* Rare & early from Southern California
* General George Crook & Apache Wars
Very early from San Diego--a volume 2 issue--when the population was just 2300, with a nice engraving of the harbor in the masthead.
The bottom of the front page has an item beginning: "General Crook's policy is the only one that can rede... See More
Ad for Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show... John Philip Sousa...
Item #683890
May 22, 1898
THE PROVIDENCE SUNDAY JOURNAL, Rhode Island, May 22, 1898 The back page has a nice, illustrated advertisement for "Buffalo Bill's Wild West" show with a small likeness of Buffalo Bill.
Complete in ten pages, various chipping at the margins, various margin tears, partially loose at the spine. Should be handled carefully.
Much on the slave trade with Liberia...
Item #683834
September 18, 1858
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Sept. 18, 1858 Page 3 has three-quarters of a column taken up with: "Liberia And The Slave Trade". Included is a lengthy letter regarding how slaves are procured. Keep in mind that the importation of slaves had been outlawed in the U.S. since 1808.
Four pages, small archival mend at the top margin, nice condition. Folder size no... See More
The Fraser River gold rush...
Item #683833
September 17, 1858
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Sept. 17, 1858
* Fraser Canyon Gold Rush
* British Columbia River
Page 3 has over half a column taken up with: "The Fraser River Gold Regions", the latest gold rush, this one in British Columbia. Considerable detail.
Four pages, nice condition. Folder size noted is for the issue folded in half.... See More
The "so called" captain of the slave ship Echo...
Item #683832
September 16, 1858
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Sept. 16, 1858 Page 3 has an article: "Capt. Townsend of the Slaver" which begins: "Capt. Townsend, so called, of the slaver Echo, was brought before the U.S. Commissioner...It was distinctly proved that the Echo attempted to escape before her character was suspected...There were found on board 318 African negroes..." w... See More
Captured slave ship... Installation of a Jewish rabbi...
Item #683828
September 01, 1858
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Sept. 1, 1858 Page 3 has: "The Slaver At Charleston" which begins: "A slave brig, called the Echo, arrived at this port yesterday..." and also notes: "...Lieut. Maffitt very kindly writes us that the Dolphin captured this vessel, which he terms an American slaver, after a long chase...off the north coast of Cu... See More
No issues held by any institution...
Item #683694
December 12, 1890
THE WEST SIDE CITIZEN, Villa Park, Colorado, Dec. 12, 1890
* Very rare publication
Although once a separate town, Villa Park today is a neighborhood of Denver, about 4 miles west of downtown.
This is a very rare title, as only one institution is recorded in Gregory (Union List of American Newspapers) as having any issues and that collection was purchased in its entirety by us.
... See More
Adolph Sutro, of Comstock Lode fame...
Item #683675
October 31, 1893
POLITICAL RECORD, San Francisco, California, Oct. 31, 1894
* Adolph Sutro - mayor of San Francisco
* Virginia City, Nevada Comstock Lode fame
True to its title, this issue is filled with political reports including images of 19 politicians. Also of interest is a back page print captioned: "Our Sutro", being Adolph Sutro who was running for mayor of San Francisco. He would wi... See More
Mormon election results...
Item #683650
September 10, 1858
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Sept. 10, 1858 Page 3 has: "Utah" which reports on the territorial elections and other news items from Utah.
Four pages, small piece from the top margin of the back leaf, nice condition. Folder size noted is for the issue folded in half.
Great title for a Northwest newspaper...
Item #683381
August 24, 1882
THE NEW NORTHWEST, Portland, Oregon, Aug. 24, 1882 A great title for a newspaper from this part of the country in the 19th century. Among the articles are: "Coastward Wanderings Continued" "Letter From Lafayette" "Our Schools" "Practical Politics" "A Man's Requirements" & much more. A great wealth of ads as well.
Eight pages, some sm... See More
Early & very nice newspaper from San Diego...
Item #683289
September 20, 1871
SAN DIEGO DAILY UNION, California, Sept. 20, 1871
* Rare & early from Southern California
Very early from San Diego--a volume 2 issue--when the population was just 2300, with a nice engraving of the harbor in the masthead. All four pages have various news tidbits of the day, including local, regional, and national reports. A great wealth of advertisements as well, several of ... See More
Reports from the "wild" West...
Item #683228
February 20, 1880
THE MISSOURI REPUBLICAN, St. Louis, Feb. 20, 1880 The front page has a wealth of articles that are iconic of the Wild West, including: "Dangerous Freaks of a Colorado Cattle King" "He Attempts to Slaughter a Car Full of People" "Moonshiners Arrested" "Cattle Thieves Arrested" "Indicted for Murder" "Suffering Negroes--Distress Among the C... See More
Murder mystery resolved: it was his son...
Item #683224
February 04, 1880
THE MISSOURI REPUBLICAN, St. Louis, Feb. 4, 1880
* A professional butcher slaughters his family
* John L. Soper - Kearney, Clay County, Missouri
The top of the front page has a column headed: "Criminal Matters" Theories as to the Recent Assassination Near Kearney, Mo."
The assassination of farmer John Soper was an interesting case. They had opinions on who the killer w... See More
Hanging of Thomas Harper, friend of Curly Bill...
Item #683223
July 11, 1881
THE PHILADELPHIA PRESS, July 11, 1881
* Cowboy Thomas Harper hanging
* Outlaw Curly Bill Brocius friend
The back page has a rather brief article headed: "A Cowboy Hanged" "Thomas Harper's Behavior on the Scaffold--A Warning Letter".
It notes: "Thomas Harper, a cowboy, was hanged at Tucson, Arizona, yesterday for the murder of John Soliday last September.... See More
From rough & tumble Deadwood, Dakota Territory...
Item #683040
July 24, 1889
DEADWOOD DAILY PIONEER, Black Hills, (South Dakota) July 24, 1889
* Rare publication
* Famous wild West town
* "Wild Bill" Hickok fame
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 Wes... See More
No issues held by any institution...
Item #683036
November 28, 1890
THE WEST SIDE CITIZEN, Villa Park, Colorado, Nov. 28, 1890
* Very rare publication
Although once a separate town, Villa Park today is a neighborhood of Denver, about 4 miles west of downtown.
This is a very rare title, as only one institution is recorded in Gregory (Union List of American Newspapers) as having any issues and that collection was purchased in its entirety by us.
An eig... See More
Lynch mob murders an inmate...
Item #682778
March 18, 1880
THE MISSOURI REPUBLICAN, St. Louis, March 18, 1880 The top of the front page has column heads: "Masked Murderers" "the Jail at Winchester, Illinois, Seized by a Mob" "One of the Prisoners Confined There is Riddled With Bullets" with much detail on the lynching.
Page 2 has: "Indian Affairs - Our On the White River Massacre".
Ten pages, irregular at th... See More
Early from San Diego... The Peshtigo Fire...
Item #682768
October 20, 1871
SAN DIEGO DAILY UNION, California, Oct. 20, 1871
* Peshtigo fire disaster - Wisconsin
* Old wild West original
* Interesting advertisements
Very early from San Diego--a volume 2 issue--when the population was just 2300, with a nice engraving of the harbor in the masthead.
The front page has a full column taken up with: "A More Dreadful Calamity" "The Fires in Wi... See More
The cause of earthquakes...
Item #682741
November 10, 1868
SACRAMENTO DAILY UNION, California, Nov. 10, 1868
* Wild Old West
* Rare publication
* Post Civil War
Among the articles in this issue are: "A Hypothesis as to the Cause for Earthquakes" "Political Changes in California" "Woman's Rights" "The Loss of Hooker - A Touching Tribute to a Stricken and Bereft Soldier".
Four pages, great condition... See More
Early and rare newspaper from Tucson...
Item #682489
January 16, 1875
ARIZONA CITIZEN, Tucson, Pima County, A.T. (Arizona Territory), Jan. 16, 1875
* Very rare Old West publication
A very early & rare title from Southern Arizona published 37 years before Arizona would become a state.
Among the articles: "The Killing of William Moore" "Improvements About Town" "Local Mining Operations" "Chiracahua Apaches" &quo... See More
Rare title from this once-booming silver mining town...
Item #682485
October 31, 1891
PEOPLE'S ADVOCATE, Austin, Nevada, Oct. 31, 1891
* Very rare old West publication
A rare title from this small town at the very center of Nevada, at an elevation of 6575 feet. It was a booming silver mining area in the 1800's when the population exceeded 10,000. Today the population is 192. This newspaper lasted less than 2 years and only two institutions have any issues.
Four... See More
Various crime-related reports, including from Tombstone...
Item #682482
October 29, 1881
THE WEEKLY OREGONIAN, Portland, Oct. 29, 1881
* Rare Old West publication
A wealth of crime-related reports are found within, including a back page report from Tombstone, Arizona, on a prison escape. In a few days would be the report of the gunfight at the O.K. Corral.
Eight pages, never bound nor trimmed, some archival strengthening at the spine, nice condition.... See More
From the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas...
Item #682481
January 24, 1874
FOOT-HILL WEEKLY TIDINGS, Grass Valley, California, Jan. 24, 1874
* Rare old West publication
* Many interesting advertisements
This town in Northern California was formally named "Boston Ravine" and then "Centerville". It began as a mining town, situated at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range in Northeastern Calif. This is the volume 1, number 3 issu... See More
First issue of this Napa, California newspaper...
Item #682469
April 03, 1884
THE NAPA JOURNAL, Napa, California, April 3, 1884
* Rare Old West publication
* Wine country
This is the first issue published, the volume 1, number 1 issue. Page 2 begins with: "Our Introduction" in which the publisher states the format of the newspaper. Much reporting from California & other news as well.
Four pages, various chipping at th3e margins, some margin tears... See More
The battle of Fort Apache...
Item #682456
September 05, 1881
THE PHILADELPHIA PRESS, Sept. 5, 1881
* Battle of Fort Apache
* Indian massacre ?
* Eugene Asa Carr
The front page has most of a column taken up with what is known as the Battle of Fort Apache, which occurred in eastern Arizona Territory on September 1.
The top of a column is headed: "THE APACHE MASSACRE" "Confirmations of the Disaster To General Carr's Command&q... See More
'Notorious desperadoes lynched in Texas...
Item #682454
August 24, 1881
THE PHILADELPHIA PRESS, Aug. 24, 1881
* Orange TX Texas
* Lawlessness - lynchings
Top of the front page has column heads: "EIGHT MEN LYNCHED" "Notorious Desperadoes Summarily Disposed Of In Texas" "An Exasperated Community Compelled to Take the Law in Their Own Hands--A Story of Crime and Punishment".
An uncommonly lengthy & very detailed account of... See More
Details of a lynching in New Mexico...
Item #682307
February 10, 1880
THE MISSOURI REPUBLICAN, St. Louis, Feb. 10, 1880 The front page has a report headed: "Triple Lynching Affair" from Las Vegas, New Mexico, noting in part: "The cow boys...implicated in the shooting of Carson...were dragged from their cells this morning by a mob of 75 armed men...victims were dragged to the central plaza & ropes were thrown over the beams...West was hauled ... See More
First of this title we have offered...
Item #682304
August 05, 1897
CANON CITY RECORD, Canon City, Colorado, Aug. 5, 1897
* Very rare publication
A scarce title, the first we have offered. The format is typical of the day with a various of local and regional reports, and a wealth of advertising.
Four pages, printed on high-quality newsprint in a pinkish tone, very nice condition.
Photo of the Rocky Mountains in the masthead...
Item #682279
July 14, 1911
MOUNTAIN AND PLAIN, Denver, Colorado, July 14, 1911
* Rare from the Rocky Mountains
One of the few newspapers we have seen which has a photograph in the masthead, in this case a photo of the Rocky Mountains.
Page 3 has part of a continuing article: "Denver's Assets" with a photo.
The volume one, number 2 issue, 16 pages, 9 by 12 inches, printed on glossy stock new... See More
Case of the Black Donnellys horror...
Item #682188
February 07, 1880
THE MISSOURI REPUBLICAN, St. Louis, Feb. 7, 1880
* Black Donnellys massacre
* Lucan, Ontario, Canada
Page 2 begins with an account of the "Black Donnellys' " funeral at Lucan, Ontario, Canada.
The "Black" Donnellys were an Irish Catholic immigrant family who settled in Ontario, Canada. The Donnellys' ongoing feuds with local residents culminated in an att... See More
No holdings of this title in any American institution...
Item #682181
November 06, 1899
LA GRANDE DAILY CHRONICLE, Union County, Oregon, Nov. 6, 1899
* Very rare publication
Although the term "rare" can be tossed around by some rather casually, it truly applies to this newspaper.
There are no holdings of this newspaper in any American institution. One library has microfilm issues only.
Four pages. Never bound nor trimmed, a printing error to the right si... See More
General Butler on Negro enlistments...
Item #682091
August 10, 1864
NEW YORK HERALD, Aug. 10, 1864 Among the front page column heads on the Civil War are: "FOSTER" "General Jones Brought to Terms" "Farragut" "Daring Reconnaissance of the Rebel Fleet in Mobile Bay" "Sherman" "Grant!" "Order of General Butler Regarding Negro Enlistments" "A Negro Newspaper Correspondent on the Field&quo... See More
Great, early content on the California Gold Rush...
Item #681279
December 23, 1848
NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Dec. 23, 1848 The front page has several items on the California Gold Rush including: "California Adventurers" beginning: "The 'stream of human life' is now setting as irresistibly towards California...The gold attraction is so strong that few are willing to lose the time necessary to go by water round the cape or by the overla... See More
Hangings of criminals: 3 front page reports...
Item #681133
July 16, 1881
THE PHILADELPHIA PRESS, July 16, 1881 The front page has 3 accounts of recent hangings: "A Double Execution - The First Judicial Hanging in Lee County, Arkansas". It begins: "Isaac Green and John Hardin, both negroes, were hanged here to-day in the presence of about 5,000 persons...".
The other is headed: "Missouri Outlaws Executed" notes in part: "...says... See More
Train robbed by tramps...
Item #680961
July 28, 1901
THE ARIZONA GAZETTE, Phoenix, July 28, 1901 The ftpg. has a short report: "Tramp Robbers" noting: "Two tramps held up Nels Peterson & Benj. Anderson on the train near Belle Plaine...robbing both & beating Peterson & shooting Anderson. Anderson was then thrown from the train & his head cut off by the wheels."
Eight pages, irregular at the spine, otherwise ... See More
Photo of the Rocky Mountains in the masthead...
Item #680900
September 22, 1911
MOUNTAIN AND PLAIN, Denver, Colorado, Sept. 22, 1911 One of the few newspapers we have seen which has a photograph in the masthead, in this case a photo of the Rocky Mountains.
The front page is part of a continuing article: "Denver's Assets" with a photo.
A volume one issue, 16 pages, 9 by 12 inches, printed on glossy stock newsprint, nice condition.
Early San Francisco with a wealth of local news & ads...
Item #680784
August 29, 1868
DAILY ALTA CALIFORNIA, San Francisco, Aug. 29, 1868 A large size newspaper of four pages with a wealth of both local news events and local advertisements. Never bound nor trimmed, 3 folds with minor wear at a fold juncture.
Early California from just 19 years after the Gold Rush. Folder size noted is for the issue folded in half.
How rhe Younger and James brothers could rob banks...
Item #679762
July 05, 1901
THE EVENING TRIBUNE, San Diego, California, July 5, 1901 Page 7 has over a full column taken up with: "TACTICS OF BANDITS" "A Raid That Was All Carefully Planned In Advance" "How Men Like three Younger and the James Brothers Could Ride Into a Town in Broad Daylight, Rob a Bank and Get Away". A fascinating article.
Eight pages, nice condition.
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Full Contact Information
