<img src="/images/cathead_moments.gif" alt="Newspapers from Moments in American History" />
Early and rare from Florida... Much on the Mexican War...
Item #704824
September 18, 1847
THE FLORIDIAN, Tallahassee, Florida, Sept. 18, 1847
* Rare pre-Civil War title
* Mexican War
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, six years before the Civil War. Three-quarters of the front page is taken up with reports on the Mexican War, headed: "Brilliant V... See More
Latest information from the California Gold Rush...
Item #704823
March 24, 1849
SATURDAY EVENING POST, Philadelphia, March 24, 1849 Page 3 has: "The Gold Region" with the latest from the California gold rush. A few bits include: "...Emigrants were flocking in by the thousands...by next August 1200,000 persons would have entered California...almost every one not engaged in gold digging was preparing to go to the mines in the Spring...At San Francisco real ... See More
First rabbi to lead prayer in Congress...
Item #704813
February 02, 1860
NEW YORK HERALD, Feb. 2, 1860
* First Rabbi to lead prayer in Congress
* Judaica - Jewish - Jews
The front page has proceedings of the first session of the "Thirty Sixth Congress" and included is a brief but very historic account about the first time the proceedings were opened with a prayer by a rabbi.
The account headed "Impressive Address To The Throne of Gra... See More
Latest from the California Gold Rush...
Item #704760
October 20, 1849
SATURDAY EVENING POST, Philadelphia, Oct. 20, 1849 Page 2 has: "From California" with the latest news, bits including: "...The Sacramento still yields a good dividend of something like ten to fifteen dollars a day to all industrious laborers...The Feather River, where the finest gold has been found, is yet a favorite stream among the diggers...About 3,000 persons are now engag... See More
Latest from the California Gold Rush...
Item #704759
August 04, 1849
SATURDAY EVENING POST, Philadelphia, Aug. 4, 1849 Page 3 has: "From California" with the latest news, bits including: "...The Crescent City brings $230,000 in specie...that probably $300,000 would cover all the gold dust on board...one opinion among the passengers with regard to the gold in California; it is still found in great quantities...There was no sickness at the mines.... See More
Baseball game reports from before the Civil War...
Item #704722
October 25, 1856
PORTER'S SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, Oct. 25,1856
* Very early pre-Civil War baseball
A nice sports-themed newspaper from before the Civil War, which has nearly half a column of various reports under the heading: "Base Ball". There are reports on 5 baseball games with commentary which would seem odd today. One item notes: "The Baltic boys confess this to be a bad ... See More
Beginning work on the Washington Monument... Nauvoo, the Mormon city...
Item #704692
January 08, 1853
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, Jan. 8, 1853
* Nauvoo, Illinois - Mormons
* Washington monument
A short-live newspaper which preceded the first issue of "Harper's Weekly". This is the volume 1, number 2 issue. P.T. Barnum was a "Special Partner" in this publication.
The front page shows: "The Late Collision on the Mississippi--Loss of the Steamer Western World&quo... See More
Print of San Francisco... The new Mormon Temple...
Item #704691
July 25, 1857
BALLOU'S PICTORIAL, Boston, July 25, 1857
* Very early view of San Francisco
* Salt Lake Tabernacle under construction
Formatted much like the more common Harper's Weekly, this illustrated paper printed several years earlier.
The front page features a print of a: "View Of San Francisco, California" which a related article on it as well. Very early view of the young... See More
One of the earliest newspaper mentions of Abraham Lincoln and Joseph Smith...
Item #704690
August 12, 1837
NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Aug. 12, 1837
* Very early mention of Abraham Lincoln
* Early Mormon & Joseph Smith mention
An inside page has a report headed "Illinois" being an account of activities in the state legislature, with an inconspicuous--yet very significant--listing of "Lincoln" in the "negative" column of those who voted on a spec... See More
Horace Greeley's first successful publication...
Item #704682
April 20, 1839
THE NEW-YORKER, New York, April 20, 1839 This title was published by the famed Horace Greeley, begun some seven years before his more famous 'New York Tribune' would publish its first issue. Although he would work at several newspapers prior to the 'New Yorker' this would be his first successful venture eventually reaching a circulation of 9,000.
Long active in politics,
... See More
Much on the California gold rush...
Item #704638
February 03, 1849
SATURDAY EVENING POST, Philadelphia, Feb. 3, 1849 The top of page 3 has a column headed: "Mode Of Extracting Gold From the Ore" being a timely article given the recent discovery of gold in Calif. But the article begins with: "...The metallic grains found in the sands of rivers in California do not require to be subjected to a metallurgic process."
Page 3 begins wit... See More
Jewish synagogue on Clinton Street...
Item #704613
May 07, 1853
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, May 7, 1853
* Rare Jewish synagogue illustration
* Congregation Chasam Sopher
* Judaica - Jews - Judaism
Formatted very much like Harper's Weekly although predating it by four years, with the masthead featuring a nice engraving of the New York skyline at the time. P.T. Barnum was a "Special Partner" in this publication.
Various illustration... See More
First issue of a P. T. Barnum publication...
Item #704596
January 01, 1853
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, Jan. 1, 1853 This is the very first issue of what would become a short-lived publication which had "P.T. Barnum, Special Partner" involved in its publication, as noted on one of the back pages.
This is one of the earliest illustrated periodicals in the United States, preceding both Leslie's Illustrated and Harper's Weekly. The format would... See More
Much on John Brown & Harper's Ferry... Man-hunting...
Item #704574
December 09, 1859
NEW YORK SEMI-WEEKLY TRIBUNE, Dec. 9, 1859
* John Brown's insurrection - invasion - raid
* Harpers Ferry WV West Virginia
Pages 6 & 7 have much on the John Brown insurrection at Harper's Ferry including: "JOHN BROWN'S INVASION" "The Martial Law Illegal--Reaction Against Wide" "The Fugitives--Cooke and Virginia in Kansas" "An Anecdote ... See More
The first bridge to span Niagara Falls...
Item #704504
February 17, 1849
ILLUSTRATED LONDON NEWS, England, Feb. 17, 1849 The most interesting print is a nearly half page view captioned: "Construction Of The Niagara Falls Suspension Bridge--Basket Ferry & Temporary Towers". This was the very first bridge over Niagara Falls, this print showing the early stages of the construction showing the: "...basket ferry and temporary towers". This prin... See More
First mention of skiing in an American newspaper? Barnum's paper...
Item #704500
March 19, 1853
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, March 19, 1853 P.T. Barnum was the co-owner of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly". These latter two ultimately becoming immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last but 48 issues.
Although an illustrated newspaper, perhaps the most nota... See More
Detailed report on the in-coming "Lincoln Regime"...
Item #704497
January 15, 1861
NEW YORK HERALD, Jan. 15, 1861
* Abraham Lincoln about to change America
* Rise of Southern tensions w/ secession talks
The front page has a nice stack of column heads on the coming Civil War including: "THE REVOLUTION" "Arrival of Messengers from South Carolina & Fort Sumter at Washington" "The Fort Not to be Reinforced" "The Sale of Arms to Se... See More
Death of General Macomb... Mormons arriving from Quebec, bound for Illinois...
Item #704486
July 10, 1841
NILES' NATIONAL REGISTER, Baltimore, July 10, 1841
* Mormons - Mormonism
* Immigrants to Illinois
* General Alexander Macomb
* United States Army officer
Page 3 has a lengthy account of a loss in the military: "...the melancholy intelligence of the exit of the distinguished ALEXANDER MACOMB, the late major general commanding-in-chief...". Included is a small graphic ... See More
Last sermon of Brigham Young before Utah... Nice on the capture of slave ships...
Item #704483
March 21, 1846
NILES' NATIONAL REGISTER, Baltimore, March 21, 1846 The front page has an editorial concerning the Mexican War: "Shall We Have Peace or War?" Page 3 has a report: "Slavers Captured" being an account of the capture of the slave ships Panther, Patuxent, and Pons. Note that although slavery continued until the Civil War, the importation of slaves was outlawed in 1808.
A... See More
Mormons in New Jersey... President Tyler vetos the Bank of the U.S. bill...
Item #704482
August 21, 1841
NILES' NATIONAL REGISTER, Baltimore, Aug. 21, 1841
* Mormons - Mormonism
* Toms River & Hornerstown
* Monmouth Co. New Jersey
Inside has the lengthy: "Veto Message from the President of the United States, Returning, with his Objections, the bill to incorporate the Fiscal Bank of the United States" signed in type: John Tyler.
The back page has a brief item con... See More
Joseph Smith as a candidate for President...
Item #704481
May 18, 1844
NILES' NATIONAL REGISTER, Baltimore, May 18, 1844
* Mormons leader Joseph Smith
* Election campaign for president
* 1st presidential candidate to be killed
Page 2 has a report under: "Political--Presidential" which discusses the various candidates for the presidency. Included in the discussion is mention of Joseph Smith, leader of the Mormons.
It is not known by many to... See More
Report on the Mormon colony in Utah...
Item #704479
January 08, 1850
NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Jan. 8, 1850
* Mormons - Mormonism
* Early Salt Lake City, Utah
The front page has: "From The Valley Of Salt Lake" which is an early report on the Mormons at their new home. Bits include: "...states that the Mormon colony at the Valley of the Salt Lake was in a prosperous and happy condition. The crops had been abundant...The Mo... See More
Creating the Naval Academy at Annapolis... Arresting Brigham Young...
Item #704478
January 31, 1846
NILES' NATIONAL REGISTER, Baltimore, Jan. 31, 1846
* United States Naval Academy is born
* Brigham Young arrested - Mormons
Near the back is a nice article on the establishment of the Naval Academy at Annapolis, headed: "The Naval School At Annapolis", which includes: "It is generally understood that in September last the military post at Annapolis, Md., was vacated... See More
Dorr guilty of treason?...
Item #704477
June 25, 1842
NILES' NATIONAL REGISTER, Baltimore, June 25, 1842
* Dorr Rebellion - Rhode Island arsenal attack
* Governor Thomas Wilson Dorr
* Mormons in Hancock County, Illinois
Page 3 ha a report which is a follow-up to the Dorr Rebellion, noting in part: "...his charge to the grand jury alluded to the recent events in that state & defined particularly what constitutes the crime o... See More
On repealing the Mormon charter in Illinois...
Item #704473
December 28, 1844
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Dec. 28, 1844
* Mormons - Mormonism
* Charter for the City of Nauvoo, Illinois
Page 3 has a report with a small heading: "The Mormons" which reads more like an editorial than a news report, bits including: "The Illinois House...have referred a bill repealing the Mormon charters to the Judiciary...It ought never to have bee... See More
Preparation for a separation of the country... Nat Turner...
Item #704448
September 29, 1860
SUPPLEMENT TO THE NEW YORK TIMES, Sept. 29, 1860 Page 2 has: "The Presidency" 'Bubbles from the Great Political Cauldron" "...Threats of Disunion--Negro Insurrectionists Thirty Years Ago...".
The latter articles\ reflects upon Nat Turner's Rebellion and some comments on John Brown.
Four pages, a bit irregular at the blank spine, nice condition.
Rare mention of the Underground Railroad...
Item #704445
October 06, 1854
NEW YORK TRIBUNE, Oct. 6, 1854
* Slavery - slaves - pre-Civil War tensions
* Rare "Underground Railroad" mention
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 r... See More
Thoughts towards reforming politics...
Item #704423
THE REFORMERS' GAZETTE, Glasgow, Scotland, Aug. 18, 1832 A small periodical with a very ornate engraving in the masthead featuring a crown. This is a political piece focused on the reform of Scottish or British politics. Items in this issue include: "On the Revenues of the Crown" "Tory Tyranny!" "A Landlord Conduct Exposed" and more.Sixteen pages, 5 by 8 inches,... See More
President-elect Harrison...
Item #704422
February 17, 1841
KENDALL'S EXPOSITOR, Washington, D.C., Feb. 17, 1841
* William Henry Harrison
* As president-elect
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 r... See More
Magazine in the Welsh language...
Item #704417
January 01, 1838
SEREN GOMER, Carmarthen, Wales, no date is noted in English, but it's from 1838. A quite uncommon magazine from Wales, totally in the Welsh language. Although commonly spoken in the 19th century, its use had diminished in the 20th century. Efforts are being made to bring it back today.
Complete in 32 pages, 5 1/4 by 8 1/4 inches, very nice condition.
Complete in 32 pages, 5 1/4 by 8 1/4 inches, very nice condition.
Slave ads & notices... California mining news...
Item #704384
September 26, 1850
THE DAILY DELTA, New Orleans, Sept. 26, 1850
* Rare antebellum publication
* From the deep South
Newspapers from the pre-Civil War South are rather difficult to find. Here is one from Louisiana.
Among the many ads is one on the front page with heading: which notes in part: "The subscribers are prepared to receive, on consignment, for sale in this market, any number of slaves, h... See More
Beginning of the Republican Party: John Fremont becomes their first Presidential candidate...
Item #704325
June 26, 1856
NEW YORK TRIBUNE, June 26, 1856
* Republican Party is formed
* John C. Fremont nomination
* 1st nominated for United States president
A very historic issue for the Republican party as it reports their first Presidential candidate, John Fremont.
This new political party, founded just two years previous, held the prohibition of slavery as the principal issue of their platform.
T... See More
Reinventing the English language...
Item #704265
October 12, 1850
WECLI FONETIC ADVOCET, Sinsinati, O., Octobur 12, 1850
* Rare publication
[Weekly Phonetic Advocate, Cincinnati, Ohio] This is one of the more curious newspapers of the 19th century.
During this time there was a movement afoot to create a new mode of writing & spelling: to spell words as they sounded, phonetically. Obviously it never caught on, but it did result in this unusual ne... See More
Famous utterance of the 19th century: "Liberty and Union, now and for ever, one and inseparable!"
Item #704247
March 06, 1830
NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, March 6, 1830
* Daniel Webster: "...liberty and union, now and forever, one and inseparable!"
Daniel Webster was a leading American statesman during the nation's antebellum period. Webster's desire to see the Union preserved and conflict averted led him to search out compromises designed to stave off the sectionalism that threat... See More
First mention of skiing in an American newspaper? Barnum's paper...
Item #704191
March 19, 1853
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, March 19, 1853 P.T. Barnum was the co-owner of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly". These latter two ultimately becoming immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last but 48 issues.
Although an illustrated newspaper, perhaps the most nota... See More
Rare graphic issue on "Uncle Tom's Cabin"...
Item #704179
August 02, 1856
THE ILLUSTRATED LONDON NEWS, England, Aug. 2, 1856
* Uncle Tom's Cabin reading
* Mrs. Mary E. Webb illustration
Inside has a nice article: "Dramatic Reading by a Coloured Native of Philadelphia" accompanied by a print of her captioned: "Mrs. Mary E. Webb (A Coloured Native of Philadelphia) Reading 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' in the Hall of Stafford-House".... See More
Creating a Jewish city in the Niagara River...
Item #704169
September 24, 1825
THE WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Sept. 24, 1825
* Jewish city creation
* Grand Island, New York
* Niagara River
One of the articles on an inside page reads in its entirety: "The ceremony of laying the corner stone, of what is to be a city of the Jews, on Grand Island, N.Y. took place on the 14th instant, and Mr. Noah, editor of the New York National Advocate, governor and judge of Isra... See More
Abraham Lincoln the inventor - a buoying apparatus...
Item #704122
December 01, 1860
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN MAGAZINE, New York, December 1, 1860
* Invention by Abraham Lincoln
* Buoying vessels over shoals
Page 4 has a great article headed: "The President Elect's Mode of Buoying Vessels" which also includes a nice illustration of the device captioned: "Abraham Lincoln's Apparatus For Buoying Vessels." (see).
The text, taking most of a column, ... See More
Charged with piracy...
Item #704091
June 12, 1819
THE UNION, Philadelphia, June 12, 1819 Page 3 has an article: "Piracy" noting in part: "Nathaniel White, who was acquitted in December last of the charge of murder...was arraigned...on the charge of being an accessor to the crime of piracy...To this charge he pleaded guilty..." with more.
Four pages, evening toning, some foxing near the margins, good condition.... See More
Announcement: The Louisiana Purchase is signed...
Item #704082
July 11, 1803
THE INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, July 11, 1803
* The Louisiana Purchase Treaty
* Signed by U.S. & France ministers
* Expansion of the United States
This newspaper has one of the more decorative mastheads of the era.
Page 2 has a NOTICE, let in larger type than normal, headed: "OFFICIAL" announcing: "The Executive has received official information
... See More
* The Louisiana Purchase Treaty
* Signed by U.S. & France ministers
* Expansion of the United States
This newspaper has one of the more decorative mastheads of the era.
Page 2 has a NOTICE, let in larger type than normal, headed: "OFFICIAL" announcing: "The Executive has received official information
John Brown's raid, plus much more...
Item #703967
November 08, 1859
NEW YORK TIMES, November 8, 1859
* John Brown's insurrection - invasion - raid
* Harpers Ferry WV - West Virginia
The front page has various reports on the Harper's Weekly insurrection as well as other items of collector interest.
Among the column heads are: "The Harper's Ferry Insurrection - Lecture by Rev. J. Sella Martin" "Capture of Two Slavers&q... See More
John Brown's raid at Harper's Ferry...
Item #703965
October 24, 1859
NEW YORK TIMES, Oct. 24, 1859
* John Brown's insurrection - invasion - raid
* Harpers Ferry, West Virginia rebellion
The front page has an article headed: "The Virginia Rebellion" "Arrest of one of the Insurgents in Pennsylvania...". Also: "Arrest of A Supposed Insurgent" "Interesting Particulars" "Gov. Wise's Speech on the Insurre... See More
John Brown's raid at Harper's Ferry...
Item #703964
October 22, 1859
NEW YORK TIMES, October 22, 1859
* John Brown's insurrection - invasion - raid
* Harpers Ferry WV West Virginia
The front page has an article headed: "The Virginia Rebellion" "...Arms Distributed through Virginia--Incidents and Details" and more. The reporting takes nearly 4 columns.
Page 4 has: "The South and the Insurrection" taking over a full co... See More
Jefferson's first inaugural address...
Item #703939
March 18, 1801
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 18, 1801
* Thomas Jefferson's first inauguration
* President of the United States
The front page has nearly two columns taken up with: "President Jefferson's Speech, at his Inauguration at Washington, March 4, 1801" which is signed by him in italic type: Thomas Jefferson.
Also on the front page are three Acts of Congress signed in ... See More
Critical review of Jefferson's administration...
Item #703935
October 22, 1804
JENKS' PORTLAND GAZETTE, Maine (actually still part of Mass. at this point), Oct. 22, 1804 Over half of the front page is a very detailed; "Review of Mr. Jefferson's Administration" which is critical of him.
Four pages, nice condition.
Jefferson is--finally--elected President...
Item #703929
March 02, 1801
JENKS' PORTLAND GAZETTE, Maine (still part of Mass. at this time), March 2, 1801
* Thomas Jefferson finally wins
* Controversial election of 1800
The election of 1800 was a very contentious one, ending with a Jefferson-Burr tie, but after 36 ballots the House of Representatives ultimately chooses Jefferson as president.
Page 3 has that report, headed: "President--Ch
... See More
The Monroe Doctrine...
Item #703927
December 06, 1823
NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Dec. 6, 1823
* The complete Monroe Doctrine
* United States foreign policy
An inside page has the "President's Message" being James Monroe's annual address to Congress. Part of his message contains the historic language warning European powers not to get involved in any affairs in the western hemisphere. This direc
... See More
* The complete Monroe Doctrine
* United States foreign policy
An inside page has the "President's Message" being James Monroe's annual address to Congress. Part of his message contains the historic language warning European powers not to get involved in any affairs in the western hemisphere. This direc
On the death of George Washington...
Item #703924
January 11, 1800
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, January 11, 1800
* President George Washington's death
Being less than a month since the death of George Washington, it is not surprising that there is still content relating to him and his death.
Page 2 has several documents from the state of Massachusetts & city of Boston concerning Washington, and also a "Speech" signed by the (acting) ... See More
Terrific & rare account of the Underground Railroad...
Item #703920
December 16, 1857
NEW YORK TRIBUNE, Dec. 16, 1857 Page 6 has 2 1/2 columns taken up with a terrific, and very uncommon report on the Underground Railroad.
Because it was a secretive operation it is very difficult to find period accounts of its operation. This article specifically has "underground railroad" noted in the heads, which include: "Under-Ground Railroad Report" "Forty-Four ... See More
As America takes over at New Orleans...
Item #703901
December 24, 1803
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 24, 1803
* re. Louisiana Purchase
* General James Wilkinson
* Early New Orleans
The front page has an editorial headed: "Louisiana" which seems to be critical of the recent purchase.
A page 2 item from "New Orleans" says: "...It is expected that the troops, under Gen. Wilkinson are now on their way to take possession of the... 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.
An Inside Look
Timothy Hughes Rare &
Early Newspapers…
A special thank you goes out
to the staff of WGRC!
to the staff of WGRC!
History's Newsstand Blog
- Lead-up to a Nation… as reported in the newspapers of the day (Intro & Sept., 1775)…
- Announcing: Catalog #359 for October, 2025 – Rare & Early Newspapers…
- The many views of Niagara Falls – inspirating wood-cut illustration…
- Deal of a Lifetime… Doubling America with the Louisiana Purchase…
Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers
P.O. Box 3636
Williamsport, PA 17701
Phone: 1-570-326-1045
E-mail: info@rarenewspapers.com
Hours
Weekdays, 7:30 - 4 (ET)
Full Contact Information
P.O. Box 3636
Williamsport, PA 17701
Phone: 1-570-326-1045
E-mail: info@rarenewspapers.com
Hours
Weekdays, 7:30 - 4 (ET)
Full Contact Information
