Railroad History
Railroad History
Death reports of Chief Hummingbird & Governor De Witt Clinton...
Item #689419
February 23, 1828
NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Feb. 23, 1828
* Death report of Choctaw Chief Hummingbird
* Death report of New York Governor DeWitt Clinton
* B & O Railroad expands to include Pittsburgh, PA
Page 7 has a report of the death of Choctaw Chief Hummingbird, also known as General Hummingbird: "Died, on the 23d December, at his residence near the Choctaw agency, general H... See More
Pennsylvania canals & railroads...
Item #207285
October 17, 1829
NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, October 17, 1829 This 16 page newspaper has interesting news of the day throughout. A lot of the news in this newspaper is government related. Featured in this issue are interesting reports and figures on Pennsylvania canals and railroads. This issue is in nice condition except for little staining.
The Rail Road...
Item #571046
January 23, 1830
NATIONAL GAZETTE AND LITERARY REGISTER, Philadelphia, January 23, 1830 Page 4 features an article entitled "The Rail Road" which reports "The Rail road from Pratt street to the Carrollton Viaduct presented on Saturday a scene of enlivened and animating interest. A vast crowd of persons, attracted by the beauty and mildness of the day, and a number of members of Congress includ... See More
Schenectady and Utica railroad company in 1833...
Item #219477
April 27, 1833
NEW-YORK EVENING POST, April 27, 1833.
* Schenectady and Utica Railroad Company est.
A page 2 report begins: It will be a matter of public congratulations that the senate...passed the bill from the house to incorporate the Schenectady and Utica railroad company, by a unanimous vote. A few other details as well. Other news of the day includes: "Stage Robbery" "importation and Com
... See More
* Schenectady and Utica Railroad Company est.
A page 2 report begins: It will be a matter of public congratulations that the senate...passed the bill from the house to incorporate the Schenectady and Utica railroad company, by a unanimous vote. A few other details as well. Other news of the day includes: "Stage Robbery" "importation and Com
Early railroad report... The "Pennsylvania"...
Item #672072
June 22, 1833
NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, June 22, 1833 A report inside begins: "A New Locomotive Engine, constructed by Mr. R. L. Stevens, was lately placed on the Camden and Amboy railroad, and works beautifully." Some details about the speed, plus mention that: "The capacity to generate steam has, also, been much improved...and it is hoped that anthracite coal may be used..
... See More
Camden and Amboy Railroad In 1834...
Item #211404
May 09, 1834
THE SUN, N.Y., May 9, 1834 Pg. 3 has a report about an accident on the Camden and Amboy Railroad, when two engines travelling in opposite directions made contact at a curve. The Camden & Amboy RR was the first RR in New Jersey and one of the earliest in the U.S. May be one of first railroad accidents! Other news of the day includes: "Another Murder" "Police Office" and more. Several interestin... See More
First American railroad publication, from its first year...
Item #657509
July 26, 1834
AMERICAN RAILROAD JOURNAL, New York, July 26, 1834 This is a very early issue--a volume three issue--of the very first American periodical on railroading. The best feature of this newspaper is the great and very early engraving of a railroad train in the masthead, showing an engine with three cars. Note the simplicity of the train, but keep in mind this is from the very beginning years of th... See More
Did Texas treat Santa Anna humanely?
Item #682064
October 25, 1836
AMERICAN TRAVELLER, Boston, Oct. 25, 1836 Page 2 has a report: "Late And Direct from Texas" which mentions in part: "...articles by David G. Burnett, the late President, ing vindication of his humane policy towards Santa Anna...".
The back page is mostly filled with ads including many transportation-themed: railroad, stagecoach, & steamboat.
Four pages, never bound ... See More
President-elect Harrison...
Item #704422
February 17, 1841
KENDALL'S EXPOSITOR, Washington, D.C., Feb. 17, 1841
Being from the nation's capital it is not surprising there are various political reports. Articles include; "The President Elect" who had just arrived in the city; "The New Cabinet" "Homicides" "Suicides" "Deaths by Railroad" a report from "Florida" on an attack by Indian... See More
On aiding slaves to reach Canada...
Item #688499
June 16, 1841
KENDALL'S EXPOSITOR, Washington, D.C., June 16, 1841
* Southern slavery - slaves
* Underground Railroad ?
* Escaping to Canada case
The back page has a report noting: "In the circuit court for Mason, Co., Kentucky, a verdict has been obtained by William Greathouse against the Rev. Jno. B. Mahan for $1600 as the value of two negroes whom Mahan enticed to run away & aided ... See More
Niagra Falls... Pneumatic Railroad...
Item #560948
NEW YORK HERALD, New York, February 2, 1842* American Musuem
* Niagara Falls - Early railroad
Page 2 has a report about the attractions at the American Museum, including a model of the city of Dublin, the "Falls of Niagara, with real water", the Grand Cosmorama, the Pneumatic Railroad and some of the performances.
Other news of the day with ads. 4 pages in nice condition.... See More
Liberty Dollar Coin 1842...
Item #218407
October 08, 1842
DOLLAR WEEKLY, New York, Oct. 8, 1842
* Liberty Dollar coin
Has an engraving of a dollar coin in the masthead, the cost of an annual subscription. Back page has an engraving and caption: The Young Thief. A volume I issue (number 46). Some of the topics in this issue include: "The Prize Fighters", "Western Railroad", "Mr. Webster" "John Quincy Adams&quo... See More
First American railroad publication...
Item #684688
October 23, 1845
AMERICAN RAILROAD JOURNAL, New York, Oct. 23, 1845
* Early on the railroad industry
* Uncommon publication
An early issue of the very first American periodical on railroading. The best feature of this newspaper might be the engravings of a railroad engines and coaches as well as related railroad devices & inventions, as found on pages 1, 2 & 3.
The balance of the issue is tak... See More
First American railroad publication...
Item #684693
December 04, 1845
AMERICAN RAILROAD JOURNAL, New York, Dec. 4, 1845
* Early on the railroad industry
* Uncommon publication
An early issue of the very first American periodical on railroading. The best feature of this newspaper might be the engravings of a railroad engines and coaches as well as related railroad devices & inventions, as found on pages 1, 2 & 3.
The balance of the issue is take... See More
Very scarce title...
Item #616465
May 15, 1846
MONTHLY BULLETIN, New York, May 15, 1846 Actually a quite scarce title as Gregory (Union List of American Newspapers) notes it began March 15 but doesn't know when it ended in 1846. Only the American Antiquarian Society records any issues of this title and it has but three.
Various news & literary items, nice engraving of an early railroad engine in the masthead, never bound nor tri... See More
See the nice masthead from 1846...
Item #682580
July 30, 1846
THE WEEKLY CHRONOTYPE, Boston, July 30, 1846
* Uncommon title
See the great, early engraving of a railroad train in the masthead. An interesting array of news tidbits of the day.
Four pages, nice condition. This is the vol. 1 number 10 issue of a title which lasted about 4 years.... See More
Very scarce title...
Item #619281
January 15, 1847
MONTHLY BULLETIN, New York, Jan.15, 1847
* Early locomotive engraving
Actually a quite scarce title as Gregory (Union List of American Newspapers) notes it began March 15, 1846 but doesn't know when it ended. Only the American Antiquarian Society records any issues of this title and it has but three.
Various news & literary items, nice engraving of an early railroad engine in ... See More
Detailed report on the gold from California...
Item #682232
December 14, 1848
NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Dec. 14, 1848 Page 3 contains nearly a full column headed: "The California Gold Specimens" which is an early report on the 1849 Gold Rush. Included is a letter from the director of the U.S. Mint concerning the quality of gold received from California.
Also on pg. 3: "The Proposed Panama Railroad" which admits: "...the necess... See More
Little village of San Francisco is deluged with gold...
Item #686933
February 17, 1849
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Feb. 17, 1849
* Gold discoveries in village of San Francisco
The front page has: "The Grand Inauguration Ball, at the City Hall Saloon". Page 3 has a curious article on creating a: "Railroad From Lake Michigan to the Pacific".
The back page has: "Incidents In California" which is a letter datelined f... See More
When Abraham Lincoln was an unknown...
Item #686934
February 21, 1849
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Feb. 21, 1849
* Early in Abraham Lincoln's political career
* Addresses United States Congress
Page 3 has much reporting from the "House of Representatives" which includes mention of when Abraham Lincoln spoke on the floor. The report notes: "Mr. Lincoln, by unanimous consent, presented joint resolutions of... See More
Much on news from California...
Item #686995
May 28, 1849
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., May 28, 1849 Inside pages include: "Disturbances on the Isthmus" of Panama, which has much on problems concerning the many travelers going to & from California. Also: "California Railroad" which talks of an overland railroad to the West, which wouldn't happen until another 20 years.
Also: "From California and: ... See More
Earliest use of the term 'underground railroad' we have discovered...
Item #684244
August 28, 1850
SEMI-WEEKLY TRIBUNE, New York, Aug. 28, 1850
* Slavery - slaves - pre-Civil War tensions
* Rare "Underground Railroad" mention
The front page has an article: "From The Plains" which is a great letter concerning those traveling across the country, including Mormons heading to Utah. A few bits include: "The Gold Diggers have all disappeared among the Black Hills... See More
The Starrucca Viaduct, still in use today...
Item #614118
February 07, 1852
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, Feb. 7, 1852
* Starrucca Viaduct print
* Lanesboro, Pennsylvania
The front page features a nice engraving of: "Starrucca Viaduct, on the New York and Erie Railroad". At the time of its construction, the bridge was thought to be the most expensive railway bridge in the world, at a cost of $320,000 (equal to $8,722,462 today). It was the largest ... See More
Building a railroad to the Rocky Mountains...
Item #698735
March 18, 1852
NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., March 18, 1852
* Early railroad construction in the West
The front page has: "Fugitive Slaves" as well as: "Export of Gold From California" which includes a chart. Also: "From Texas" and "From El Paso" "A Patriot of the Rio Grande".
Page 2 has: "A Plan for Constructing a Railroad over the ... See More
Traveling in the United States...
Item #680922
April 10, 1852
ILLUSTRATED LONDON NEWS, April 10, 1852 Included are two pages of: "Traveling In the United States" which includes four prints including steam ship, sleighing, and railroad. Good text as well.
Sixteen pages, nice condition.
Charlestown Navy Yard... Clipper Ship Oriental...
Item #600241
September 18, 1852
GLEASON'S PICTORIAL, Boston, Massachusetts, September 8, 1852 The front page features a half-page illustration "Grand Review of the U. S. Marine Artillery, of Providence, R. I., by His Excellency Gov. Boutwell and Staff, On Boston Common." Within the issue is "The Late Count D'Orsay" which includes a small illustration of him; "Departure of the Lizzie Webber,... See More
Journey to Salt Lake City... Verdict in the famous slave case...
Item #688258
November 04, 1852
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Nov. 4, 1852 Taking over 1 1/2 columns on page 2 is the very detailed: "Captain Stansbury's Expedition To The Great Salt Lake". This is a wonderful account of the journey, about which much can be found on the internet. The subheads include: "From the Literary World" "A Dutchman en Route" "A Happy Family on... See More
Jamaica Long Island Carrier Address...
Item #209704
January 04, 1853
LONG ISLAND DEMOCRAT, Jamaica, N.Y., Jan. 4, 1853 Front page has the Carriers Address To The Patrons Of The Long-Island Democrat. Takes a column and a bit more. Others headlines throughout this issue include references to: Long Island Railroad, Broadway Railroad, Female Physicians and much more. Stray writing above the masthead, bit irregular at the spine, a few scattered foxing spots, otherwise i... See More
Australia's gold fields...
Item #648611
January 08, 1853
GLEASON'S PICTORIAL, Boston, Jan. 8, 1853
* Early gold mining print
Half the ftpg: "View Of The Old Dutch Church at Sleepy Hollow, N.Y." Half page: "Off To The Diggins--Scene Illustrating The Gold Fields Of Australia" Nearly a halfpg: "View Of The City Of Providence" plus slightly smaller illus. of the Arcade, Railroad Depot, & Market Square, all in Prov... See More
Published by P. T. Barnum...
Item #649077
April 16, 1853
THE ILLUSTRATED NEWS New York, April 16, 1853 The cover has: "Arthur Spring - The Philadelphia Murderer", with related text regarding the murder which contains considerable discussion regarding capital punishment. Inside has content with related images of: "The Baltimore Shot Works", "The Baltimore Lottery", "Accident on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad"... See More
Published by P. T. Barnum...
Item #669899
April 16, 1853
THE ILLUSTRATED NEWS New York, April 16, 1853
* Murderer Arthur Spring
* Phineas T. Barnum
The front page shows: "Arthur Spring - The Philadelphia Murderer" with related text regarding the murder which contains considerable discussion regarding capital punishment.
Inside has content with related images of: "The Baltimore Shot Works" "The Baltimore Lottery&quo... See More
Published by P.T. Barnum...
Item #698439
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, May 21, 1853 Phineas T. Barnum was the co-owner of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly", the latter two becoming immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues, or less than one year.Among the prints are: "Destructi... See More
Published by P.T. Barnum...
Item #698440
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, May 21, 1853 Phineas T. Barnum was the co-owner of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly", the latter two becoming immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues, or less than one year.Among the prints are: "Destructi... See More
Published by P.T. Barnum...
Item #698441
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, May 21, 1853 Phineas T. Barnum was the co-owner of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly", the latter two becoming immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues, or less than one year.Among the prints are: "Destructi... See More
Condition of the 'colored race'... Planning for the railroad...
Item #687865
June 16, 1853
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., June 16, 1853 Among the page 3 articles are: "Surveys For the Pacific Railroad" which reports on the work being done to find an appropriate route for an Atlantic-to-Pacific railroad, not to be completed until 1869.
Also: "Condition of the Colored Race" which has interesting commentary, including; "...condition of the f... See More
Published by P. T. Barnum... Early view of Sydney, Australia...
Item #698866
June 18, 1853
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, June 18, 1853 P.T. Barnum was the co-owner (see photos) of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly". This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues.
The text on the front page is: "The Pacific Railroad" and the print shows: "Thomas H. Be... See More
Published by P.T. Barnum...
Early view of Sydney, Australia...
Item #642926
June 18, 1853
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, June 18, 1853 P.T. Barnum was the co-owner (see photos) of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly". This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues.
The text on the front page is: "The Pacific Railroad" and the print shows: "Thomas H. Be... See More
Item #622075
June 25, 1853
NEW YORK WEEKLY BUDGET, June 25, 1853 Among the articles are: "Catholic Violence" "Sad Casualty on the N.Y. & Erie Railroad" "How Felons are Made" & more. This is the vol. 1 #4 issue.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, good condition.
Clipper ship Sovereign of the Seas... Philadelphia... Boston...
Item #650691
September 03, 1853
GLEASON'S PICTORIAL, Boston, Massachusetts, September 3, 1853 The front page features a half-page illustration "September". Within the issue is: "Jullien, the Artist" with an accompanying small illustration of him; "The Clipper Ship Sovereign of the Seas"; "Market Street Railroad Bridge, Philadelphia"; Genin's Contribution to the Palace"; ... See More
Published by P.T. Barnum...
Item #698663
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, Nov. 5, 1853 Phineas T. Barnum was the co-owner of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly", the latter two becoming immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues, or less than one year.Among the prints are: "Crater of... See More
1854 Prints.....
Item #215121
March 01, 1854
THE PEOPLES JOURNAL, N.Y., March, 1854.
* Genesse Falls print
* Genesse Falls print
* Map of Virginia, Dora Coal Mines
Inside has a nice 4 1/2 by 5 1/2 inch view: Rochester And The Genesee Falls and a 3 1/2 by 5 3/4 inch view: Railroad Bridge At Portage (N.Y.) Full page map: Map of Virginia Showing the location of the Dora Coal Mines. Ornate masthead has a nice illustration of the Capitol buil
... See More
Rare mention of the Underground Railroad...
Item #704445
October 06, 1854
NEW YORK TRIBUNE, Oct. 6, 1854 The bottom of page 4 has small report with a rare mention of the Underground Railroad.
Because it was a secretive operation it is very difficult to find period accounts of its operation.
This article, from Lowville, New York, specifically has "underground railroad" noted in the text under the heading: "Fugitive Slaves--Bears", reading: &qu... See More
1854 Germantown, Ohio...
Item #614637
November 09, 1854
TWIN VALLEY LOCOMOTIVE, Germantown, Ohio, November 9, 1854
* Uncommon title
Nice masthead engraving (see), news of the day with several advertisements.
Complete in 4 pages, a little irregular along spine, nice condition.
Religion and Governement in 1855...
Item #221680
July 04, 1855
NEW YORK HERALD, July 4, 1855.
* Religion & government
* Know Nothing Party
Page 2 has a lengthy and compelling letter to the editor: Impossibility of Uniting Religion with Politics in this Country. Concerned the religious intolerance of the Know Nothing party. News of the day includes: "The Prohibitory Liquor Laws" "The War of the Railroads" "The Watering Places" and much mo
... See More
* Religion & government
* Know Nothing Party
Page 2 has a lengthy and compelling letter to the editor: Impossibility of Uniting Religion with Politics in this Country. Concerned the religious intolerance of the Know Nothing party. News of the day includes: "The Prohibitory Liquor Laws" "The War of the Railroads" "The Watering Places" and much mo
Bedford, Massachusetts prints...
Item #689983
March 08, 1856
BALLOU'S PICTORIAL, Boston, March 8, 1856 The front page is taken up with: "Various Railroad Depots In Boston".
Among the prints within two pages with 8 prints of "New Bedford", Massachusetts, including the "City Hall & Market" and: "Court House" and "Custom House". The back page has 2 prints of: "Mercantile Library, Summer... See More
The 'Know-Nothing' candidates endorsed...
Item #659729
March 20, 1856
THE EVANSVILLE DAILY JOURNAL, Indiana, March 20, 1856
* The endorsement of the "Know Nothing" candidates
An endorsement at the top of the first column on pg. 2 supports the "Know Nothing" candidates with: "For President, Millard Fillmore, Of New York. For Vice President, Andrew J. Donelson, Of Tennessee." Title appears just above the endorsement. Perhaps o... See More
Scenes of Lowell, Massachusetts...
Item #609270
April 26, 1856
BALLOU'S PICTORIAL, Boston, April 26, 1856 Much like Harper's Weekly, but it preceded it by several years. The ftpg. shows: "The New Addition to the Boston State House". Other prints inside include: "Syra [Hermopolis, Greece] In the Archipelago" "City of Erzeroum, Capital of Armenia" "Boston Railroad Depot, Lowell" "Junction of the Concord... See More
Jamaica Long Island...
Item #659739
October 07, 1856
LONG ISLAND DEMOCRAT, Jamaica, N.Y., October 7, 1856
*Buchanan-Breckinridge endorsement
A nice front page endorsement for the Buchanan-Breckinridge ticket which appears near the top of the first column. Includes candidates for state offices too. Uncommon to have a presidential endorsement on the front page. Long Island Railroad Autumn/Winter Schedule is surrounded by interesting classified... See More
William Walker... Charles Goodyear...
Item #172036
April 04, 1857
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, April 4, 1857 The front page features an article entitled "After Walker, What Next?" Inside: 'The Story of India Rubber' includes an illustration of 'Charles Goodyear, the American Inventor' and illustrations of 'Tapping the Rubber Tree'. "An Albany Dutchman in Holland" which features several small illustrations.
Com... See More
Female College at Worcester...
Item #690001
April 04, 1857
BALLOU'S PICTORIAL, Boston, April 4, 1857 Inside has 3 prints of "The Island of St. Pauls, Indian Ocean". Other prints include: "The Female College At Worcester, Massachusetts" more formally known as the Ladies' Collegiate Institute. It would close in 1860.
Also a print of: "Union Railroad Depot, Troy, New York".
Sixteen pages, nice condition.... See More
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