Historic Newspapers: Founding Fathers (U.S.)
The following newspapers include articles with content related to: George Washington, John Adams, Samuel Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John Hancock, Patrick Henry, John Jay, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, George Mason, Thomas Paine, Paul Revere, and Benjamin Rush.
You may also want to consider doing a search for the following who have not been included within these listings:
Josiah Bartlett, Carter Braxton, John Calhoun, Charles Carroll, Samuel Chase, Abraham Clark, Henry Clay, George Clymer, John Dickinson, William Ellery, William Floyd, and Elbridge Gerry
Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, Benjamin Harrison, John Hart, Joseph Hewes, Thomas Heyward, William Hooper, Stephen Hopkins, Francis Hopkinson, Samuel Huntington, and Andrew Jackson
Francis Lightfoot Lee, Richard Henry Lee, Francis Lewis, Philip Livingston, Thomas Lynch, Thomas McKean, Arthur Middleton, Lewis Morris, Robert Morris, John Morton, and Thomas Nelson
William Paca, John Penn, William Penn, Thomas Stone, Robert Treat Paine, George Read, Caesar Rodney, George Ross, Edward Rutledge, Roger Sherman, and Richard Stockton
Adam Smith, James Smith, George Taylor, Matthew Thornton, George Walton, Daniel Webster, William Whipple, William Williams, James Wilson, John Witherspoon, Oliver Wolcott, and George Wythe
If you believe we have a significant omission, please contact us with their name at: guy@rarenewspapers.com
You may also want to consider doing a search for the following who have not been included within these listings:
Josiah Bartlett, Carter Braxton, John Calhoun, Charles Carroll, Samuel Chase, Abraham Clark, Henry Clay, George Clymer, John Dickinson, William Ellery, William Floyd, and Elbridge Gerry
Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, Benjamin Harrison, John Hart, Joseph Hewes, Thomas Heyward, William Hooper, Stephen Hopkins, Francis Hopkinson, Samuel Huntington, and Andrew Jackson
Francis Lightfoot Lee, Richard Henry Lee, Francis Lewis, Philip Livingston, Thomas Lynch, Thomas McKean, Arthur Middleton, Lewis Morris, Robert Morris, John Morton, and Thomas Nelson
William Paca, John Penn, William Penn, Thomas Stone, Robert Treat Paine, George Read, Caesar Rodney, George Ross, Edward Rutledge, Roger Sherman, and Richard Stockton
Adam Smith, James Smith, George Taylor, Matthew Thornton, George Walton, Daniel Webster, William Whipple, William Williams, James Wilson, John Witherspoon, Oliver Wolcott, and George Wythe
If you believe we have a significant omission, please contact us with their name at: guy@rarenewspapers.com
Found 799 Results
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Item #704612THE EDINBURGH ADVRTISER, Scotland, Jan. 6, 1784
* General George Washington
* Farewell address - speech
* Continental Army officers
* Princeton, New Jersey
Certainly the most notable & historic content is the full text printing of: "General Washington's Farewell Orders to the Armies of the United States... Read full description -
Item #706749Pamphlet titled: "A SERMON, preached before His Excellency JOHN HANCOCK, Esq; governor; His Honor THOMAS CUSHING, Esq; lieutenant-governor; the Honorable the Council, and the Honorable the SENATE, and House of Representatives, of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, May 26, 1784. Being the day of general election. By... Read full description
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Item #647204THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1784 The issue begins with a description of a medal created in honor of the late Capt. Cook and which is accompanied by a plate of it (see). The front page also has an article: "Canoe of the Sandwich Islands Described (which is Hawaii), which is also accompanied... Read full description
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Item #699749THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Feb. 19, 1785 The back page has an: "Extract of a Letter from New York" which reports on the troubles with the Indians along the Ohio River. One big men lions: "...General Washington, who has now reduced himself to the rank of a private citizen, has offered to go... Read full description
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Item #684105THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, March 10, 1785 The entire front page is taken up with the continued: "History of America, by William Robertson".
Page 4 has a "Proclamation by the United States..." offering a $500 award to counterfeiters, signed... Read full description -
Item #694372THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY, OR THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, April 14, 1785 The prime feature of this issue would be the masthead as half of it, that which includes the words "Massachusetts Spy", was engraved by the famed Paul Revere. Revere created the masthead designs for just a few newspapers in the Boston area, this being one of them. And... Read full description
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Item #714562GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1785 Among the articles within are: "Observations on a Tour Through the Island of Jersey" which is in the English Channel; "Anecdotes of Hogarth" "Summary of Proceedings in the Present Session of Parliament" "Original Letter form Dr. Johnston" & so much more.
Near the back is: "Intelligence..."... Read full description -
Item #644294GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1785 Among the articles within are: "Observations on a Tour Through the Island of Jersey" which is in the English Channel; "Anecdotes of Hogarth" "Summary of Proceedings in the Present Session of Parliament" "Original Letter form Dr. Johnston" & so much... Read full description
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Item #625993GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1785 Among the articles are: "Curious Caves on the Elephanta Island" near India; "Epitaph Proposed by Dr. Fordyce for Samuel Johnson" and so much more. Near the back is the "Historical Chronicle" which has various news reports of the day, which includes a... Read full description
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Item #643047THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1786 Included is a: "Topographical Description of Hastings in Sussex", England, which also includes a nice foldout plate; "Jew's Harp"; much on the: "Summary of Proceedings in the Third Session of Parliament"; and so much more. News the back is almost... Read full description
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Item #702244THE MORNING CHRONICLE & LONDON ADVERTISER, England, April 23, 1787
* Founding father Dr. Benjamin Rush letter
* Declaration of Independence signer
Page 2 features a full column that includes a letter from Benjamin Rush, a Founding Father and signer of the Declaration of Independence.
The letter was sent to Dr. Richard Price... Read full description -
Item #686699THE INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER; OR THE CHRONICLE OF FREEDOM, Philadelphia, May 26, 1787
* Constitutional Convention begins
* George Washington elected president
An exceedingly historic issue as this newspaper reports the formal beginning of the Constitutional Convention--terrific to have in... Read full description -
Item #686742THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, June 6, 1787
* Constitutional Convention begins
* George Washington elected president
An exceedingly historic issue as this newspaper reports the formal beginning of the Constitutional Convention.
Page 2 has a report from Philadelphia datelined May 26 with the historic... Read full description -
One of the earliest appearances...
Item #716072THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1787
* Benjamin Franklin - Morals of Chess
* re. U.S. Constitution - George Washington
The most notable content is the historic/collectible essay: "The Morals Of Chess, By Dr. Franklin of Philadelphia", which takes nearly two pages. The article begins: "The game of chess is not merely... Read full description -
Item #696414THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, September, 1787
* Philadelphia printing of the Constitution of the United States
This title, along with the "American Museum", has the honor of being the first magazine to print the Constitution of the United States. Both publications were from Philadelphia, the... Read full description -
Item #709556CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Oct. 1, 1787
* Historic United States Constitution
* Constitutional Convention - Congress
* President George Washington signs
Here is one of the more historic and desirable newspapers to be had on the creation of the government of the United States--The... Read full description -
Item #713623THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, November, 1787 Among the articles within are: "The Situation of the First & Present Settlers in America Contrasted" "Thoughts on emigration, Particularly to America..." Mr. Jefferson's Opinion Upon the Establishment of an American Naval Force" which begins: "The sea... Read full description
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Item #701466THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 13, 1788
* United States Constitution
* Ratification of the states
* Pillar illustration - cartoon
This is one of the most desired & elusive issues of this title to be had, as it contains one of the cherished "pillar cartoons". The only... Read full description -
Item #703264THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, March 1, 1788
* United States Constitution
* State of New Hampshire
* Pillar illustration - cartoon
This is one of the most desired & elusive issues of this title to be had, as it contains one of the cherished "pillar cartoons".... Read full description -
Item #676194THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, June, 1788
* U.S. - United States Constitution
* States debate on ratification
This is the "second edition" as noted on the title page, printed on Feb. 20, 1792.
Among the articles are: "Observations on the Management of the Female Convicts in the... Read full description -
Item #652342THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, January, 1789 Among the articles are: "An Account of the Manners of the German Inhabitants of Pennsylvania" which takes 7 1/2 pages. Also a full page chart of the: "Moral and Physical Thermometer", created by Dr. Benjamin Rush.
Near... Read full description -
Item #208507THE DIARY; OR WOODFALL'S REGISTER, London, 1789 This is a nice folio-size newspaper of 4 pages with untrimmed margins (uncommon) and a nice red-inked tax stamp in the lower right corner of the front page or page 3. Various news of the day plus ads as well. This is one of the less common British titles in... Read full description
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George Washington through Andrew Jackson...
Item #180100(7) Presidential Collection I - a seven-issue set of American newspapers containing one issue each from the administrations of George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, and Andrew Jackson, providing a single-day snapshot of the atmosphere during each administration. This is set one... Read full descriptionThis item is not eligible for free shipping. -
Item #702876THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, April, 1789
* President George Washington
* Election victory & inauguration
Certainly the most notable content is found in "The Chronicle" section near the back where the latest news was reported, which covers the election &... Read full description -
Item #703228THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, April 4, 1789
* General George Washington
* New York City prepares welcome
* First Inauguration as U.S. president
Page 3 notes preparations are being made for the new Congress to begin its work, and Washington to arrive in town: "There are now FOUR members of the lower,... Read full description -
Item #668658GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, England, May, 1789
* George Washington elected 1st president of U.S.
* From the enemy just after the Revolutionary War
Certainly the most significant---and very historic--report in this issue is the account under the heading "America" of... Read full description -
Item #703185GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, June 17, 1789
* John Hancock message
* U.S. Department of State
This is just the 19th issue of this very famous newspaper which was the mouthpiece of the new federal government.
Over one-third of the front page has the: "Message of the Governor of... Read full description -
Item #703712GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, July 11, 1789
* From the 1st year of George Washington's presidency
* United States government (Congress) in it's infancy
Page 2 has much on an oration delivered by the Reverend William Rogers before the Penna. State Society of the Cincinnati, and: "...Towards the... Read full description -
Item #703746GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Aug. 19, 1789
* Creation of the Department of War - Defense
* Beginnings stages of the federal government
* President George Washington signing
A very significant issue, as the back page contains the official Act of Congress creating the Department of Defense, then known as the Department of War.... Read full description -
Item #703196GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, August 29, 1789
* U.S. Congress version of the "Bill of Rights"
* United States Constitution - Amendments
* Presidents George Washington & John Adams
This is a very significant issue, as page 2 contains an early version of the historic Bill of Rights.
As a brief... Read full description -
Item #685614
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE OR MONTHLY MUSEUM, Boston, September, 1789 The first article takes over a full page and is titled: "Description of Charles River Bridge". The plate called for is not present.
Other articles include: "Marriage Ceremonies Among the Tschouwasches, a Finnish Nation"; the conclusion to the article: "The... Read full description -
Item #703751GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Sept. 9, 1789
* Debate on Nation's capital location
* Mary Ball Washington death
* 1st president G.W.'s mother
Most of the front page is taken up with a: "Sketch of Proceedings of Congress in the House of Representatives..."... Read full description -
Item #703607MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 16, 1789
* President George Washington
* V. P. John Adams
The entire front page & most of page 2 are taken up with the "Act Registering & Clearing Vessels Regulating the Coasting Trade...", signed in script type: George Washington.
Nice page 2... Read full description -
Item #703753GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Sept. 16, 1789
* Treasury Act of September 2, 1789
* Establishment of the Treasury Department
* President George Washington signs
Certainly the most notable report is that found on the back page, where is printed in full: "An... Read full description -
Item #703754GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Sept. 19, 1789 Page 2 has a letter to the House of Representatives signed in type by the President: Geo. Washington, beginning: "The Governor of the Western Territory has made a statement to me of reciprocal hostilities of the Wabash Indians & white people inhabiting the frontiers... Read full description
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Item #686116THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 19, 1789 The front page has an interesting article which could be appropriate today: "Propositions for Reforming the Present System of Publick Education in Boston".
Page 2 begins with reports from the House of Representatives concerning discussions on... Read full description -
Item #703267THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET & DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, October 6, 1789
* Ratification of the "Bill of Rights" - Congress
* United States Constitution - Amendments
Arguably the most significant documents of late 18th century in American history would be the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. This issue... Read full description -
Item #686115THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 10, 1789
* (2) President George Washington acts
* First year of his administration
Most of the first column of page 2 contains not one but two of the very desirable Acts of Congress each signed in script type by President George Washington and in block type by Vice President John Adams. This... Read full description -
Item #703757GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Oct. 10, 1789 The front page has close to a full column taken up with: "Early Marriage -- Original Letter from Dr. Franklin to John Alleyne, Esq." which is signed by him in type: B. F. This is a bit of a "Dear Abby" response from over 200 years ago.
An internet source mentions... Read full description -
Item #685624THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, Nov., 1789
* The Bastille in France w/ plate
* President George Washington
* New England tour return
* New federal government era
The issue begins with: "Description of the Bastile, in France" which still includes the full page plate of it (foxing & damp... Read full description -
Item #682219THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1789 Near the back is a report headed: "America" which details the power of the Executive Dept. of the new federal government, including: "The Executive Power, which forms one of the branches of ours new Government...to fill... Read full description
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Item #703766GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Nov. 18, 1789
* President George Washington
* New England tour w/ many stops
This issue has much coverage of the President's tour of the Northeast, including a front page address of the town of Portsmouth to the President, followed by: "The Answer" signed in type: G. Washington.
Page 2... Read full description -
Item #701210GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Nov. 25, 1789
* Benjamin Franklin re. slavery - slaves
* Newly elected President George Washington
It contains: An Address to the Public" by Benjamin Franklin as President of the: "Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of... Read full description -
Item #703726GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Jan. 9, 1790
* 1st President George Washington
* First State of the Union Address (SOTU)
A very significant issue, as page 3 contains George Washington's very first state-of-the-union address, taking over a full column and signed by him in type: G.... Read full description -
Item #703798GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Feb. 24, 1790
* President George Washington
* Benjamin Franklin
Half of the front page is taken up with reports from: "Congress - House of Representatives" which includes talk on: "...the report of the Secretary of the Treasury. -- Mr. Madison's motion for a... Read full description -
Item #703187GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, March 10, 1790
* The Census Act of 1790
* Very first U.S. census
The nation's capital was in New York City at this time, so it is of great significance that close to half of the front page is taken up with the very first printing of: "An ACT Providing for the Enumeration of the... Read full description -
Item #682844THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, April, 1790
* Benjamin Franklin death (1st report)
* Early report from his hometown
Certainly the most notable report is the death of the revered Ben Franklin. At the back of the issue, in "The Gazette" section, is a report that: "On the 17th of April, departed... Read full description -
Item #703808GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, April 3, 1790 Part of the front page, all of page 2 & nearly half of page 3 are taken up with the latest reports from Congress during this formative year. It ends with the note: "...A message was received from the President of the United States by his Secretary--with the... Read full description
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Item #703809GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, April 7, 1790
* Act of Congress re. North Carolina's Western lands
* George Washington - John Adams - Thomas Jefferson
Beginning on the front page & taking all of pg. 2 & some of page 3 are detailed reports from Congress during this formative year.
Over... Read full description -
Item #703212THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, April 17, 1790
* First three United States Presidents
* Act of U.S. Congress signed in type
The front page features an Act of Congress signed in script type by the President: George Washington, and in block type by John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Also much reporting from Congress.
... Read full description






















































