THE CORVALLIS GAZETTE, Oregon, Oct. 18, 1873

• Rare old Pacific Northwest publication

An uncommon title from this Western Oregon city, which very briefly served as the state capital. In fact the front page has nearly 3 columns taken up with a report headed: "The New State Capitol" "Laying The Corner Stone" "Imposing Masonic Ceremonies" at Salem.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, a few discrete archival mends at margins, nice condition.

Background: This four-page issue of The Corvallis Gazette from October 18, 1873, represents a rare piece of Pacific Northwest history, originating from a Western Oregon city that served very briefly as the territorial capital in 1855. Its historical significance is anchored on the front page, where nearly three full columns are dedicated to an extensive report titled "The New State Capitol: Laying The Corner Stone," capturing the solemnity and fanfare of the occasion. The article documents the grandiose Masonic ceremonies and official dedications held in Salem for Oregon's new seat of government, providing a primary-source perspective on a pivotal event in the state's civic development while highlighting the early journalistic record of a former rival capital city.