Historic Newspapers: Colonial - American Only
Many additional authentic issues are available with Colonial America content. Those shown below are those issues published within the colonies. Select the "Colonial - British Included" tab if you want to include British titles with colonial content.
Found 56 Results
-
Item #704194THE AMERICAN WEEKLY MERCURY, Philadelphia, April 3, 1735
* Among the earliest of American newspapers
* Very early & rare colonial publication
As any serious collector of newspapers knows, it is exceedingly difficult to find any colonial American newspapers from before 1760, let alone an issue from 1735. It began in 1719... Read full description -
Item #710010THE AMERICAN WEEKLY MERCURY, Philadelphia, May 15, 1735
* Among the earliest of American newspapers
* Very early & rare colonial publication
As any serious collector of newspapers knows, it is exceedingly difficult to find any colonial American newspapers from before 1760, let alone an issue from 1735. It began in 1719... Read full description -
Item #689552THE BOSTON WEEKLY NEWS-LETTER, "New England", April 10-17, 1740
* Among the earliest of American newspapers to be had
This very rare title was the first successful newspaper in the colonies, having begun in 1704 and lasting until the British occupation of Boston in 1776. It was only preceded by "Public Occurrances Both... Read full description -
Item #673423THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, April 9, 1743 This was the very first successful magazine in America, preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of issues--one of which was by Ben Franklin. Even this title lasted but a few short years.
As the subtitle reads: "Containing Accounts of the Propagation &... Read full description -
Item #697098THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, April 30, 1743 This was the very first successful magazine in America, preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of issues--one of which was by Ben Franklin. Even this title lasted but a few short years.
As the subtitle reads: "Containing Accounts of the Propagation &... Read full description -
Item #704415THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, (Boston), May 5, 1743 This was the first successful magazine in America although formatted unlike typical magazines. It was exclusively a chronicle of the Great Awakening in America, exclusively of secular news reports. It was preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of issues--one of which... Read full description -
Item #698457THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, (Boston), May 14, 1743 This was the first successful magazine in America although formatted unlike typical magazines. It was exclusively a chronicle of the Great Awakening in America, exclusively of secular news reports. It was preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of issues--one of which... Read full description -
Item #653754THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, (Boston), May 21, 1743 This was the first successful magazine in America although formatted unlike typical magazines. It was exclusively a chronicle of the Great Awakening in America, exclusively of secular news reports. It was preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of... Read full description -
Item #704881THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, (Boston), March 10, 1743,4 (year noted as such as it was 1743 or 1744 depending on which calendar was used).
This was the very first successful magazine in America, preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of issues--one of which was by Ben Franklin. Even this title lasted but a few short... Read full description -
Item #674800THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, March 31, 1744 This was the first successful magazine in America although formatted unlike typical magazines. It was exclusively a chronicle of the Great Awakening in America, exclusively of secular news reports. It was preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of issues--one of which... Read full description -
Item #690181THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, April 28, 1744 This was the first successful magazine in America although formatted unlike typical magazines. It was exclusively a chronicle of the Great Awakening in America, exclusively of secular news reports. It was preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of issues--one of which... Read full description -
Item #702283THE AMERICAN MAGAZINE, Boston, May, 1745
* Very rare & early colonial magazine
* Great Boston masthead engraving
This is a very rare title, actually the first successful magazine in American history done in the traditional magazine format (Christian History preceded this by several years but was exclusively a chronicle of... Read full description -
Item #702364THE NEW YORK WEEKLY POST-BOY, Dec. 23, 1745
* Very rare Colonial NYC publication
* 30 years prior to the Revolutionary War
As those who follow our offerings know, it is rare that we have the opportunity to offer American newspapers from the 1740's. Here is a very handsome issue from 1745 featuring a nicely engraved,... Read full description -
Item #667596THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1747 Two pages are taken up with a: "List of Ships Taken" which include several bound to or from North America and the West Indies. Also included are articles on some early electric machines including a illustration.
Among other articles: "Regulation of the Window Tax" "Account of... Read full description -
Item #703481THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, July 26, 1750 A quite early colonial newspaper published by none other than Benjamin Franklin, although the "advertising leaf" which appeared with this issue, and upon which was the imprint of "B. Franklin", is not here as it was typically not bound with the issue... Read full description -
Item #703537THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, July 19, 1753
* Most famous of newspapers
* Benjamin Franklin (very rare)
In the imprint at the bottom of the back page is the much desired Benjamin Franklin imprint, noted as: "Printed By B. FRANKLIN, Post-Master, and D. HALL at the New Printing Office, near the Market". Franklin... Read full description -
Item #703479THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, Aug. 2, 1753 In the imprint at the bottom of the back page is the much-desired Benjamin Franklin imprint, noted as: "Printed By B. FRANKLIN, Post-Master, and D. HALL at the New Printing Office, near the Market". Franklin would later dissolve his involvement with this newspaper he made... Read full description -
Item #703480THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, Oct. 4, 1753
* The iconic Benjamin Franklin newspaper
A quite early colonial newspaper published by none other than Benjamin Franklin, although the "advertising leaf" which appeared with this issue, and upon which was the imprint of "B. Franklin", is not here as it was... Read full description -
Item #694150THE MARYLAND GAZETTE, Annapolis, March 13, 1755
* Very rare & early American publication
A very scarce and early newspaper from the early period of the French & Indian War. Rarely are we able to offer Maryland newspapers from such an early year.
Page 2 has a report from Halifax, Nova Scotia,... Read full description -
Item #710763THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, Feb. 12, 1756
* Rare Benjamin Franklin publication
* Early Colonel George Washington
* French and Indian War officer
A fine Ben Franklin issue from the French & Indian War period, which includes what we believe is the earliest... Read full description -
Item #715581GREEN & RUSSELL'S BOSTON POST-BOY & ADVERTISER, June 18, 1759 This is one of the less common colonial titles we have offered. A very handsome masthead with two ornate engravings, one of a sailing ship & the other of a horse-mounted post boy delivering the news.
Page 2 has reports from various American cities,... Read full description -
Item #702912THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER AND NEW ENGLAND CHRONICLE, May 13, 1762
* Rare Colonial Massachusetts
* St. Augustine, Florida
This is a much later issue of America's first successful newspaper, founded in 1704.
The top of the ftpg. has a nice recruiting advertisements to enlist soldiers to fight in the on-going French &... Read full description -
Item #701127THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 23, 1767
* Rare pro British Colonial publication
* American taxation - re. stamp act
Over 1 1/2 columns of the front page are taken up with: "Dr. Franklin's Pieces in Behalf of North America", signed in type: Homespun.
Also on the front page is a letter... Read full description -
Item #703661THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE, Philadelphia, Aug. 3, 1767
* Pre Revolutionary War tensions
* Colonial - Anti-British publication
A fine, colonial newspaper offering a flavor of life in America during the tumultuous period shortly after the Stamp Act, during the hated Quartering Act & Townshend Acts era, and... Read full description -
Item #703648PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Aug. 10, 1767
* Southern colonies & the Quartering Act
* Pre-Revolutionary War tensions
A fine, colonial newspaper offering a flavor of life in America during the tumultuous period shortly after the Stamp Act, during the hated Quartering... Read full description -
Item #688491THE BOSTON CHRONICLE, Massachusetts, April 4, 1768 Inside has most of a page taken up with a letter from the Speaker of the Mass. Assembly to one of the King's Secretaries of State, which includes: "...it seems to be conclusive that as those acts were made with the sole & express purpose... Read full description -
Item #687300THE BOSTON CHRONICLE, May 16, 1768
* Pro-British American publication
* Tensions build with England
The entire front page and most of pg. 2 are taken up with a continued report titled: "An Account of Corsica; & the Memoirs of the famous Pascal Paoli the commander in chief of the Corsicans."
Page 2 contains a... Read full description -
Item #585508SUPPLEMENT TO THE BOSTON CHRONICLE, May 16, 1768 The front page is taken up with a wide variety of news reports from London including one item noting: "...the colony agents have orders...to obtain an act of Parliament for the encouragement of the linen manufactury in North America...". An inside page has reports from "Boston"... Read full description -
Item #713644THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Sept. 26, 1768
This newspaper was a primary means of voicing the anti-British sentiment that was rapidly spreading throughout the colonies prior to the American Revolution. The paper gained much notoriety when Goddard printed an... Read full description -
Item #715582THE BOSTON CHRONICLE, Nov. 21, 1768 The front page is entirely taken up with "...the account given of the late transactions respecting Sir Jeffery Amherst by the friends of the administration." with much on the relationship with General Gage.
Portions include: "...for Sir J.A. was the only person in England who could not go to America in... Read full description -
Item #688492THE BOSTON CHRONICLE, December 26, 1768 The publisher of this newspaper had Loyalist leanings, causing its demise before the formal outbreak of the Revolutionary War.
All of pages 1 & 2 are taken up with a continued report on: "Voltaire on History". Page 3 has: "The... Read full description -
Item #687381THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 6, 1769
* Early Yankee Doodle song mention
* Importation - exportation tensions
The front page has an interesting article about: "...George being now master of the ceremonies made the music play just as he pleased; and one night...he swore he would exhibit to the... Read full description -
Item #700584THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 15, 1769
* The Boston Non-Importation Agreement
* Boycott of British goods b merchants & traders
* Rare Colonial Pennsylvania publication
The entire front page is taken up with: "The Speech of Th-m-s P--wn--ll, Esq. in the House of "Commons,... Read full description -
Item #701324PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, July 3, 1769
* The Non-Importation movement
The front page includes an illustration relating to a new kind if water-powered mill. Page 3 has an interesting report of: "A bill for a charitable lottery for the relief of distressed Virgins in Great Britain" which... Read full description -
Item #694917SUPPLEMENT TO THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, No. 2119 (Philadelphia, Aug. 3, 1769)
* Rare colonial publication
This "Supplement" issue came with the Aug. 3, 1769 (date not printed here) issue of the Gazette but has since been separated. As was typically the purpose of Supplement issues, this single sheet is... Read full description -
Item #687129THE ESSEX GAZETTE, Salem, Massachusetts, Nov. 6, 1770
* Colonial Massachusetts original
The front page has reports from London concerning the growing tensions with America, bits including: "...now under consideration to block up all the ports belonging to the colony of Massachusetts Bay & not to suffer the... Read full description -
Item #587909THE MIDDLESEX JOURNAL OR UNIVERSAL EVENING POST, London, November 24, 1772 News reports from various places in Europe, with the back page having an item concerning crops in America.
Four pages, folio size, partial red tax stamp at the bottom of page 1, very nice condition. -
Item #706112DUNLAP'S PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, April 11, 1774
* Great colonial era masthead engraving - John Dunlap
* American Revolutionary War upon the horizon
This title had one of the more ornate masthead of the pre-Revolutionary War era. And this issue was printed shortly before the outbreak of war,... Read full description -
Item #719725THE MASSACHUSETTS SPY, Or Thomas's Boston Journal, October 27, 1774
* Extremely rare publication w/ Paul Revere
* Pre American Revolutionary War era
* "Join or Die" snake issue masthead
It would be difficult to properly place both the scarcity and... Read full description -
Item #724559THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE (with Supplement), Williamsburg, Mar. 17, 1775 This newspaper was published by Alexander Purdie, a distinction to be made since there were three newspapers of this title printed in Williamsburg during the early period of the Revolutionary War.
The entire front page is a terrific... Read full description -
Item #705418THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL; AND THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, April 5, 1775
* Benjamin Franklin's "Unite Or Die" cartoon
If there was one graphic that represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War, it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die"... Read full description -
Item #701395PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, May 11, 1775
* The Battles of Lexington and Concord
* Start of American Revolutionary War
This is a gem of an issue, as it is what all serious collectors seek for their Revolutionary War collection: an American newspaper with a terrific report on the famous battles at Lexington and Concord.
This page 3 report,... Read full description -
Item #718898THE CAPE-FEAR MERCURY, Wilmington, North Carolina, June 3, 1775 This would have to be one of the more interesting colonial newspapers we've offered, primarily for being a forgery.
This title began Oct. 13, 1769, and was suspended for about five months from the fall of 1774 to the spring of 1775. It... Read full description -
Item #719591THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL & THE NEW-HAVEN POST-BOY, June 7, 1775
* Battle of Lexington & Concord
* General Thomas Gage account
* Revolutionary War beginning
Simply a terrific issue, as I believe this to be the first newspaper we have offered which not only contains General Gage's official account of... Read full description -
Item #687295THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL & THE NEW HAVEN POST-BOY, July 5, 1775
* Battle of Bunker Hill - Charlestown
* Siege of Boston, Massachusetts
* George Washington named commander
* American Revolutionary War
* Terrific issue w/ many reports
Nice engraving in the masthead of a post boy on horseback.
... Read full description -
Item #700583THE PROVIDENCE GAZETTE & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Rhode Island, July 29, 1775 In the world of American Revolutionary literature and manuscripts three bodies of work stand out: 1) Thomas Paine's Common Sense; 2) the Declaration of Independence; and 3) the earliest of the Revolutionary trinity: The Causes and... Read full description -
Item #687431RIVINGTON'S NEW-YORK GAZETTEER; or, the CONNECTICUT, HUDSON'S RIVER, NEW-JERSEY, and QUEBEC WEEKLY ADVERTISER, New York, Aug. 17, 1775
* American Revolutionary War
* Extremely rare publication
* James Rivington - spy publisher
James Rivington, the famous printer of this newspaper, had an interesting... Read full description -
Item #687282PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Aug. 19, 1775
* The "Olive Branch Petition"
* Revolutionary War beginning
* Second Continental Congress
Certainly the most notable content in this issue is found taking over half of page 2, being the very historic Olive Branch Petition.
This was one of the more... Read full description -
Lexington & Concord content...
Item #718011THE NEW ENGLAND CHRONICLE OR THE ESSEX GAZETTE, Cambridge, Sept. 7, 1775
* Lexington & Concord report
* John Hancock type signature
* The Conciliatory Resolution
A very historic issue as the front page contains not only the full text of the Conciliatory Resolution by Parliament, but the Continental Congress' lengthy response to it, signed... Read full description -
Item #692362THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, Sept. 27, 1775
* American Revolutionary War
The front page has some reports on the actions of Major Rogers in Maryland & Virginia. Also mention of work of the Virginia Provincial Convention. Plus a report of a soldier: "...who\ is on his parole in Gen. Wooster's camp. This... Read full description
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
- Who’s Who in Newspapers? Father Thomas edition…
- What’s in a Masthead – An 1800s Boston Investigator…
- Lead-up to a Nation… as reported in the newspapers of the day (reflecting back on March, 1776)…
- Who’s Who in Newspapers? Jack Johnson edition (1910)…
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
