<img src="/images/cathead_civilwar.gif" alt="Newspapers from The Old West" />
The first newspaper published in Modesto, California...
Item #704341
March 11, 1881
STANISLAUS COUNTY WEEKLY NEWS, Modesto, California, March 11, 1881
* Rare Old West publication
An early newspaper from this city in North-central California which when it began in 1868 was the first newspaper in Modesto. In 1881 the population of the town was less than 1000.
Various news events of the day, local, regional and national, with a wealth of advertising.
Four pages, large ... See More
From 1880 territorial Montana...
Item #703992
October 28, 1880
THE HELENA DAILY HERALD, Montana, Oct. 28, 1880
* Pre statehood Montana
* Rare Old West title
This newspaper is from 9 years before Montana statehood. Contains news of the day with several interesting advertisements.
Four pages, a little irregular along the spine, generally nice.
Major battle in the Modoc Indian War...
Item #703410
April 26, 1873
THE NEW YORK HERALD, April 26, 1873
* Modoc Indian War
* Lava Beds - Captain Jack
* Second Battle of the Stronghold
Page 7 has coverage of the Second Battle of the Stronghold during the Modoc War. The top of the page has a clever one column heading: "JACK IN THE BOX" with subheads. (see images)
Complete with 12 pages, a little irregular along the spine, small printing flaw... See More
Founding the Lick Observatory... Property values in Northern California...
Item #702558
March 01, 1876
WELDON & LEONARD'S REAL ESTATE CIRCULAR & PRICE LIST, San Francisco, California, March 1, 1876
* Lick Observatory, Mount Hamilton founding
The ftpg. has: "Another Monument" which begins: "When James Lick executed his deed of gift, donating his immense property to various benevolent & scientific societies of this state, he provided that $750,000 should be ... See More
San Jose California... Woodhull, Claflin & Col. Blood trial...
Item #702556
May 24, 1871
SAN JOSE DAILY PATRIOT, California, May 24, 1871
* Rare Old West title from the Santa Clara Valley
* Victoria Woodhull, Colonel James Harvey Blood, Tennie Claflin scandal
In 1850 San Jose became just the 2nd incorporated city in California (Sacramento was first) & was on the Butterfield mail route. The ftpg. is mostly ads with news items & more ads inside, many of which ... See More
The Apache War in Arizona...
Item #702035
November 08, 1879
THE SAN DIEGO UNION, California, Nov. 8, 1879
* Apache Wars in the Southwest
* United States Army
The front page has: "The Apache War", with subhead "Victorious Band Overtaken and Whipped in Mexico by Major Morrow's Command" - being a derailed report from Tucson.
Four pages, some archival strengthening at the margins, a bit fragile but in nice condition.
... See More
Is Jesse James dead or alive?
Item #700277
November 08, 1879
ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Nov. 8, 1879
* Outlaw Jesse James
* False death report
Page 4 has: "The United Bandits" which is a follow-up to a report that Jesse James had been killed. One bit notes: "...has before, fully satisfied that a struggle had taken place...No traces of blood could be seen, however & nothing was learned of the disposition of the remains of the ... See More
Great masthead from Oakland in 1884...
Item #700268
July 19, 1884
OAKLAND WEEKLY TRIBUNE, California, July 19, 1884 See the photos for the nice engraving in the masthead, which features a great view of the skyline of Oakland--at that time!
Various news of the day and a wealth of ads. Single-column headings include: ""The Scollard Trial", "For His Life - The Preliminary Struggle om Behalf of George T. Lynch", "Pacific Gro... See More
Apostle Wilford Woodruff's Sermon - Salt Lake City pre-Utah Statehood 1882 Newspaper...
Item #699039
December 18, 1882
DESERET EVENING NEWS, Salt Lake City, (Utah Territory), June 10, 1882
* Mormons - Mormonism
* Wilford Woodruff sermon
The front page has 4 1/2 columns dedicated to: "Discourse by Apostle Wilford Woodruff Delivered In The Tabernacle, May 14th, 1882". The topics include: "Liberty of Conscience", "Man Accountable to God", "The Fall of Adam an... See More
On buying Alaska...
Item #698666
July 15, 1868
DAILY ALTA CALIFORNIA, San Francisco, July 15,1868 A wide variety of news reports both local and regional and a huge quantity of ads as well.
Among the front page articles: "The Alaska Purchase" "Tramp To California" "Nevada--The Yellow Jacket Incident" "Murder & Lynching at Surprise Valley" "The Osage Land Treaty" and more.
Four pages,... See More
From Nebraska...
Item #698665
March 17, 1883
THE LINCOLN DAILY NEWS, Nebraska, March 17, 1883 We seldom encounter Nebraska newspapers from during the Wild West era, but here is one. Lincoln is the capital of Nebraska and this issue is dated from just 16 years after statehood.
Gregory's 'Union List of American Newspapers' notes that the only institution holding any issues of this title is the Nebraska Historical Society, an... See More
Newspaper from the ghost town of Crystal, Colorado...
Item #698609
November 10, 1888
CRYSTAL RIVER CURRENT, Crystal, Colorado, Nov. 10, 1888 A rare newspaper from a bonafide ghost town.
Crystal was a mining camp established in 1881 & after several decades of robust existence, was all but abandoned by1917. Many buildings still stand in Crystal, but its few residents live there only in the summer.
This is a volume 3 issue, formatted like most newspapers of the day with a... See More
Rare and very early from the "Alaska Territory"...
Item #698596
June 04, 1887
THE ALASKAN, Sitka, Alaska Territory, June 4, 1887 Rarely are newspapers from Alaska found from before the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897 when interest grew dramatically. This newspaper pre-dates the gold rush by ten years.
The format of the newspaper is much like other newspapers of the day, being four pages of small folio size (measures 13 by 20 in.).
The front page has an interesting articl... See More
Truckee, California, near Lake Tahoe...
Item #698592
October 27, 1877
TRUCKEE REPUBLICAN, California, Oct. 27, 1877 From this town at the "elbow" of California near the Nevada border at an elevation of 5800 ft. Historically well known for the Donner Party tragedy which happened nearby in 1846.
Four pages, nice condition.
Creating the Oklahoma Land Rush...
Item #698571
March 28, 1889
BOSTON EVENING TRANSCRIPT, March 28, 1889 The front page has a nice report on the Oklahoma Land Rush with a column headed: "The Oklahoma Situation" "The Boomers Happy over the Opening of the Territory--Claims Already Taken--Rivals Fighting--The Country Full of People".
Eight pages, nice condition.... See More
Early from Salem, Oregon ...
Item #698570
March 05, 1866
THE OREGON STATESMAN, Salem, March 5, 1866 This 4 page newspaper has news of the day with several interesting advertisements.
With newspapers west of the Mississippi being uncommon before 1900, here is an opportunity for an issue from the Old West when cowboys, Indians, saloons, gold miners & gunfights were often commonplace.
Four pages, nice condition.
From Elko, Nevada...
Item #698569
November 15, 1879
DAILY ELKO INDEPENDENT, Elko, Nevada, Nov. 15, 1879 Elko had a population of about 2000 during the late 19th century. Situated along the Humboldt River, it was along the route traveled by the ill-fated Donner Party and the many who ventured to the California hills in search of gold during the 1849 gold rush.
Completion of the Central Pacific Railroad gave the "official" birth to t... See More
Huge image of "Buffalo Bill" Cody...
Item #698564
September 11, 1875
NEW YORK SATURDAY JOURNAL, Sept. 11, 1875 The front page is dominated by a very large image of: "Hon. William F. Cody (Buffalo Bill)", along with the beginning of a story by him titled: "Deadly-Eye, the Unknown Scout, by Buffalo Bill, the Celebrated Scout, Guide, and Hunter-Author." The story takes most of page 2 and is continued in a later issue.
Some crude repairs to t... See More
From the Arizona Territory...
Item #698545
June 05, 1875
ARIZONA CITIZEN, Tucson, Arizona Territory, June 5, 1875 Many years ago we had a reasonable inventory of this title, but today this issue is among our last.
A nice assortment of news articles and ads including: "Letter from Col. Hodge" "Mining Summary" Ostrich Mine" "Territorial Prison" "Our First Law Suit" "Telegraphic News" "Minu... See More
Truckee, California, near Lake Tahoe...
Item #698513
April 03, 1875
TRUCKEE REPUBLICAN, California, April 3, 1875 From this town at the "elbow" of California near the Nevada border at an elevation of 5800 ft. Historically well known for the Donner Party tragedy which happened nearby in 1846.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, minor tears at the margins, a news agent's stamp at the top, good condition.
The slave trade while Kansas was bleeding... Pike's Peak - Boom or Bust (?)
Item #698452
June 14, 1859
THE NORWALK EXPERIMENT, Huron County, Ohio, June 14, 1859
* Pike's Peak - Gold "Boom" or "Bust"?
* Selling Kansan slaves to southern states
Page 2 has a troubling article, "GREELEY MEETS A SLAVE DEALER", which tells of a man thanking Horace Greeley for his efforts to see Kansas and Missouri become free of slaves. The man goes on to state that he himsel... See More
New York elevated railroad...
Item #698446
September 07, 1878
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, September 7, 1878 The full front page is a print of: "The New York Elevated Railroad - View in Franklin Square."
Inside prints include a half page: "A Skirmish with an Unwelcome Intruder"; half page: "Locusts in South India - Driving Them From the Fields"; full page: "The Highlands of the Hudson, From Anthony's Nose, Look... See More
1859 Pike's Peak Gold Mining as a marketing ploy...
Item #698426
March 22, 1859
THE NORWALK EXPERIMENT, Huron County, Ohio, March 22, 1859
* Pike's Peak Gold Mining as an advertising hook
* Who should go to Pike's Peak
* Easier for negros in Massachusetts than foreigners (?)
The back page has a bold ad which appears to be seeking workers for the Pike Peak Gold Mines, but upon further inspection, the ad is actually for A. H. ROSE & CO's Store. However, ... See More
This town was founded during the California Gold Rush...
Item #698355
December 02, 1878
THE MOUNTAIN MESSENGER, Downieville, California, Dec. 21, 1878 Downieville is a very small town at 3,000 ft. elevation in Northwestern California. It was founded in late 1849 during the California gold rush & was first known as "The Forks" for its location at the confluence of the Downie River and the North Fork of the Yuba River. It was soon renamed after Major William Downie,... See More
Great article on the Bear Flag Revolt...
Item #698195
June 14, 1879
THE PIONEER, San Jose, California, June 14, 1879
* Rare Old West publication
* Santa Clara Valley
* Nice masthead for display
The masthead notes: "Devoted To The Interests Of The Pioneers of California And the Resources of the Golden State." The masthead is one of the more graphic we have seen, featuring three vignettes: one of settlers traveling, one of a bear, and another... See More
From Nebraska...
Item #698178
March 16, 1883
THE LINCOLN DAILY NEWS, Nebraska, March 16, 1883
* Home of the Cornhuskers
We seldom encounter Nebraska newspapers from during the Wild West era, but here is one. Lincoln is the capital of Nebraska and this issue is dated from just 16 years after statehood.
Gregory's 'Union List of American Newspapers' notes that the only institution holding any issues of this title is th... See More
The rare "steamer edition" of an early California newspaper...
Item #698139
October 06, 1856
SAN FRANCISCO HERALD, California, Oct. 6, 1856 A very rare & early newspaper from California as this is the "San Francisco Herald For The Steamer" as noted at the top of pages 2-8, more commonly known as the "steamer edition". Such editions are much more rare than the "regular" editions.
Note that the masthead specifies what the market is for this edition: ... See More
Death of the President James A. Garfield...
Item #698079
September 21, 1881
THE DESERET NEWS, Salt Lake City, Utah, Sept. 21, 1881
* James A. Garfield death
* Rare Mormons publication
From 15 years before Utah statehood. Page 8 has all columns black-bordered due to the: "Death Of President Garfield", being an early report without many details. The front page has: "Willful Murder" "Attempt to Shoot" "The Park Shooting" ... See More
Very early Idaho newspaper, shortly after creation of the Idaho Territory...
Item #698048
November 12, 1864
IDAHO TRI-WEEKLY STATESMAN, Boise City, Nov. 12, 1864
* Very rare territorial title
* American Civil War era
A very early and rare newspaper from just 18 months after the Idaho Territory was created, and some 26 years before Idaho statehood.
This is the volume 1, number 48 issue. The front page is filled with ads with pages 2 & 3 containing various news of the day. Mostly ads on ... See More
One of our last...
Item #698046
September 15, 1879
DAILY ARIZONA CITIZEN, Tucson, Pima County, Sept. 15, 1879
* Very rare Old West publication
Many years ago we had a reasonable inventory of this title, but today this issue is among our last. And it is a volume one issue in nice condition.
A nice assortment of news articles and ads. The front page is mostly taken up with ads although it does have a "Grand Jury Report". Page... See More
A man with 8 wives...
Item #697953
July 18, 1868
DAILY ALTA CALIFORNIA, San Francisco, July 18, 1868 A wide variety of news reports both local and regional and a huge quantity of ads as well.
Among the articles: "A Man With Eight Wives Who Does Not Live in Utah" "Lynch Law in Minnesota--Letter From Gov. Marshall" "Letter From Lake Tahoe" & more.
Four pages, a very large size newspaper, never bound nor tr... See More
From the Arizona Territory...
Item #697875
February 27, 1875
ARIZONA CITIZEN, Tucson, Arizona Territory, Feb. 27, 1875 Many years ago we had a reasonable inventory of this title, but today this issue is among our last.
A nice assortment of news articles including: "Loss By Indians--Claims for Depredations by Indians..." "Local Mining Affairs" "Pueblo Viejo Valley" "Texas and Pacific Bill" and more.
Four pages,... See More
Very first issue of a California title which existed just five months...
Item #697764
November 09, 1871
GRASS VALLEY REPUBLICAN, Nevada County, California, Nov. 9, 1871
* First issue of a very rare old West publication
This is the volume 1, number 1 issue. The very first published.
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.
... See More
From Nebraska... A train robber captured...
Item #697718
March 13, 1883
THE LINCOLN DAILY NEWS, Nebraska, March 13, 1883 We seldom encounter Nebraska newspapers from during the Wild West era, but here is one. Lincoln is the capital of Nebraska and this issue is dated from just 16 years after statehood.
Gregory's 'Union List of American Newspapers' notes that the only institution holding any issues of this title is the Nebraska Historical Society, an... See More
Death of Cochise, the Apache Indian chief...
Item #697384
June 15, 1874
NEW YORK HERALD, June 15, 1874
* Tribal Chief Cochise death (1st report)
* Chiricahua Apaches - Indians
Page 7 has a report on the death of Cochise with column heads: "COCHISE DEAD" "The Famous Apache Chief Departs for the 'Happy Hunting Ground'" "The Defunct Chief" with details.
On the same page is a very brief item headed: "Fatal Shooting ... See More
How to make a wine market in California...
Item #697337
July 27, 1868
DAILY ALTA CALIFORNIA, San Francisco, July 27, 1868 A wide variety of news reports both local and regional and a huge quantity of ads as well. Page 2 has an article: "California Wine--How to Make a Market" which obviously worked out well.
Four pages, a very large size newspaper, never bound nor trimmed, some wear at fold junctures, minor margin tears. The folder size noted is for ... See More
A "cute" little Colorado Springs newspaper...
Item #697108
January 15, 1892
THE EDGEWOOD SUN, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Jan. 15 1892 I wouldn't use the term "cute" to describe many newspapers but I think it fits here.
Six pages & measuring just 5 1/2 by 7 1/2 inches, it has advertisements, promotional & news tidbits, and various witticisms. A volume one issue of a little paper that lasted for just 2 1/2 years. Toned but in good conditio... See More
Early & very nice newspaper from San Diego...
Item #697094
October 24, 1871
SAN DIEGO DAILY UNION, California, Oct. 24, 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.
All pages have various news tidbits of the day, including local, regional, and national reports. A great wealth of advertisements as well, several of which are illustrated.
Complete as a 4 page issue, 12 ... See More
Very graphic masthead... Great article on the Bear Flag Revolt...
Item #696863
May 31, 1879
THE PIONEER, San Jose, California, May 31, 1879
* Rare Old West publication
* Santa Clara Valley
* Nice masthead for display
The masthead notes: "Devoted To The Interests Of The Pioneers of California And the Resources of the Golden State." The masthead is one of the more graphic we have seen, featuring three vignettes: one of settlers traveling, one of a bear, and another ... See More
From the territory of Washington...
Item #696849
March 03, 1881
WASHINGTON INDEPENDENT, Pomeroy, Columbia County, Washington Territory, March 3, 1881
* Very rare old West publication
A volume one issue from this small town in Southeastern Washington, published 8 years before statehood. Various news and ads of the day.
Gregory notes that only 2 institutions have any holdings of this title. This is just one of 2 or 3 issues remaining in our invento... 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
Making a living lecturing on the outlaw Jesse James...
Item #696652
June 07, 1882
ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Missouri, June 7, 1882 Keeping in mind that Jesse James was killed in nearby St. Joseph just 2 months previous, page 4 has an article: "The James Lecture". The article talks of the ethics of making a living by speaking about Jesse James, and including members of James' family as part of the presentation. One bit notes: "...That the widow should se... See More
Col. Fremont's disastrous fourth expedition...
Item #696647
March 29, 1849
NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., March 29, 1849
* John C. Fremont
* Fatal 4th expedition
The top of the front page has a nicer account headed: "Col. Fremont--A Distressing Report" which is concerning his fateful fourth expedition in the West during which his party was caught in a snowstorm in Colorado causing loss of ten of his men & 130 of his pack mules. Near... See More
Latest news from the Gold Rush...
Item #696645
August 10, 1849
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Aug. 10, 1849
* California Gold Rush
* 49ers - mining - miners
Page 3 has a variety of reports under: "From California" which has the latest reports concerning the Gold Rush, a few bits noting: "...Gold is plenty, large quantities being brought every day from the placers...The quantity was thought inexhaustible...The healt... See More
Work of the 'Hole In The Wall Gang' with rare mention of 'Butch Cassidy' (well, almost)...
Item #696633
August 31, 1900
THE BETHLEHEM TIMES, Pennsylvania, Aug. 31, 1900 The top of page 3 has column heads: "BANDITS GOT $100,000" "Thrilling Hold Up of Union Pacific Express Train" "Money Belonged to Uncle Sam" "it Was En Route for Manila to Pay American Soldiers--Famous Outlaw Band the Robbers--Now Fighting Desperately to Escape".
The report is datelined from "Table ... See More
The Apaches and the Sioux...
Item #696616
August 19, 1880
THE MEMPHIS DAILY APPEAL, Tennessee, Aug. 19, 1880 Among the front page articles are: "Crime & Criminals" "Oklahoma - Arrival of Captain L. D. Payne at Fort Smith Under Rest" "After the Apaches" "Hostile Sioux Surrendered" and much more.
Four pages, large folio size, good condition. The folder size noted is for the issue folded in half.
Early & very nice newspaper from San Diego...
Item #696445
October 22, 1871
SAN DIEGO DAILY UNION, California, Oct. 22, 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
From the year it became a state...
Item #695899
August 23, 1912
TUCUMCARI SUN, New Mexico. Aug. 23, 1912
* Rare Southwest publication
A quite uncommon title from this small New Mexico town in Eastern New Mexico, great to have from the year New Mexico became a state.
The front page has a photo of the county court house and jail.
Tucumcari, located on the old Route 66, has an interesting history and has been mentioned often in popular culture (Rai... See More
Uncommon title from the very top of California...
Item #695602
April 30, 1892
SCOTT VALLEY NEWS, Fort Jones, California, April 30, 1892
* Rare old West publication
* Siskiyou County
This small town has a population of just 839 and is located at the very top of California. It was once a military outpost--hence the name--protecting the various mining communities in the vicinity. It appears to be just the second issue of this title we have offered in our 47 years.... See More
Utah, pre-statehood...
Item #695599
December 18, 1872
DESERET EVENING NEWS, Salt Lake City, (Utah Territory), Dec. 18, 1872
* Mormons - Mormonism
* Pre Statehood
Various news of the day from the capital of the Mormons, and from 24 years before Utah would become a state. A great wealth of ads as well.
Sixteen pages, 11 by 16 pages, just as it came off the press so never bound nor trimmed & folding out to one large sheet, great cond... See More
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