Historic Newspapers: The Wild West
The term "wild west" conjures many things in the mind—criminal outlaws like Billy the Kid or Jesse James, the California Gold Rush, or the folklore associated with the American frontier. We welcome you to browse our Wild West newspaper inventory or learn more about American Wild West newspapers at our main Wild West page.
Found 652 Results
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Item #649555ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, March 27, 1884 Page 2 has over half a column taken up with: "TEXAS BANDITS" "Bold Attempt to Rob a Bank at Wichita Falls" "One of the Robbers Shot Dead by a Ranger and Another Captured--A Book Agent's Peril". A great article, beginning: "At 3:30 p.m.... Read full description
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Item #649554ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, April 10, 1884 The top of a page 3 column has heads: "CRIMINAL CALENDAR" "A Dakota Town Marshal Killed by a Desperado" "Murder of a Missouri Farmer--Blowing an Express Safe--Brutal Murder of a Child." The first report begins: "Hank Lewis, a notorious desperado, keeping... Read full description
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Item #649388ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, May 13, 1878 The top of the ftpg. has column heads: "A BOY'S BLUFF" "The Veritable Bandit of the Wabash Bagged' "His Desperate Struggle With Five of His Pursuers" "Deputy Sheriff Cleary Again Shot by the Desperado" "Exiting Adventures During a Year of... Read full description
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Item #649290(5) RENO EVENING GAZETTE, Nevada, early 1880's. A lot of five issues, all are complete and are in very nice condition. Great to have from this well-known town from the "Old West".
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Item #649271(10) A lot of ten "OLD WEST" newspapers from California, dating in the 1870's through 1890's, and priced at a bargain due to edge tears, mends, wear, etc. which makes them somewhat 2nd-rate. The set will contain at least 5 different titles, and no two issues will have the same date. A nice opportunity for a mini-set... Read full descriptionThis item is not eligible for free shipping.
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Item #649257(5) DESERET EVENING NEWS, Salt Lake City, Utah, early 1880's A lot of 5 issues, from several years before statehood with much local news of the day. Articles with Mormon interest and perspective are sure to be found within each issue. Typically 4 page issues, minor browning & dirtiness, but not pulpish.
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Item #649238A lot of seven "Old West" newspapers, each with a different title from California dating in the 1870's through 1890's. A nice opportunity for a mini-set of different "Wild West" titles at a bargain price. A wealth of both news reports and ads of the day. Keep in mind, issues from this period can be fragile and must be... Read full descriptionThis item is not eligible for free shipping.
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Item #649229SAN FRANCISCO NEWS-LETTER & CALIFORNIA ADVERTISER, 1873 The subtitle in the masthead notes: "Devoted To The Leading Interests of California and the Pacific Coast". The content is varied and includes a wide range of ads as well.
An uncommon title with a displayable masthead featuring the seal of California, the seal of the... Read full description -
Item #648456DAILY MEMPHIS AVALANCHE, Tennessee, June 24, 1875
* Castle Creek - South Dakota
* Black Hills gold discovery
The ftpg. has: "Gold at Black Hill" which has a dispatch beginning: "I have discovered gold in small quantities on the north bend of Castle Creek...About 15 miners have located a camp on the creek above here..."... Read full description -
Item #648249NEW YORK WEEKLY TRIBUNE, Aug. 14, 1867 The ftpg. has a detailed report headed: "The Indian War", portions including: "The Indians have made 3 separate descents on the working parties along the railroad beyond Fort Hays...Several Indians were killed...It is reported here that six men were surrounded by the Indians... Read full description
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Item #648247NEW YORK WEEKLY TRIBUNE, Aug. 28, 1867 Page 3 has nice Indian content with heads & subheads: "The Indian War" "Desperate Fight Between Pawnees and Cheyennes--Full Particulars--Attempt to Throw a Passenger Train Off the Track--How the Indians Learned the Trick...Fifteen Scalps Taken..." and then further on is another... Read full description
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Item #648227ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Nov. 3, 1882 Page 2 has a somewhat brief article headed: "Dick Liddell [Liddil] Released on Bond" noting in part: "...the case of Dick Liddel, on trial for conspiracy in connection with the Mussel Shoals robbery, committed by Frank and Jesse James and Bill Ryan..." with more... Read full description
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Item #648196ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Jan. 25, 1883 The first two columns on page 5 are headed: "The Bandit At The Bar" "Frank James as He Appeared in the Kansas City Court Room" and more (see). One of the subheads: "Prospects of Acquittal of the Charge of Complicity in the Blue Cut Robbery".
Twelve pages, bit irregular at the... Read full description -
Item #648195ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Jan. 27, 1883 The top of pg. 5 has column heads: "Chronicles Of Crime" "The Case of Dick Liddle [Liddil], the Train Robber, in Court" "...Blood-Thirsty Women--Frank James' Custodian--Drugged to Death...". Page 2 has: "Gallow's Scenes" plus there are many other... Read full description
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Item #648167ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Dec. 3, 1879 The front page has a column headed: "DEAD AS A DOOR NAIL" "The Four Murder of Marshal Culver Near Cameron" Shot from His Horse While Chasing Two Desperadoes" "The Assassins Subsequently Captured & Locked Up".
Eight pages, very small water stain near at the... Read full description -
Item #647687NEW YORK HERALD, Oct. 10, 1858
* First transcontinental mail service success
* Arrives at San Francisco, California
Page 4 has a report noting the very first transcontinental mail service to San Francisco, with: "Very Late From California" "Arrival of the First Overland... Read full description -
Item #647421ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT & CHRONICLE, New York, June 10, 1873 The top of the ftpg. has column heads on the Modoc Indian War, with: "THE MODOCS" "A Cruel Massacre" "A Train of Prisoners Attacked by Oregon Volunteers" "Little John, Tehee Jack, Pony Mooch and Others Killed". Page 3 has an interesting... Read full description
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Item #647240EVENING EXPRESS, Los Angeles, California, May 7, 1873 An early issue from this now-huge West Coast city containing various news of the day & a great wealth of ads.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, small edge tears, otherwise in very good condition. -
Item #646763ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Oct. 2, 1875 Page 3 has most of a column taken up with: "Were They The James Boys? "Two Men Stop a Texas Express Wagon & Rob It of a Large Amount of Money". The article is very detailed and is a terrific account of a stage coach robbery (see), but this robbery was apparently not the work... Read full description
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Item #646721ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Feb. 4, 1880 The ftpg. has a short article headed: "Frank James" which reports a local sighting of him (see).
Eight pages, good condition. -
Item #646421ARIZONA GAZETTE, Phoenix, Oct. 6, 1887
* Very rare issue from the Arizona Territory
This is an extremely early and uncommon newspaper from Arizona Territory (it wasn't a state until 1912). Filled with various news of the day both local and national, and a wealth of ads--most very "Western" looking and many illustrated.
The front page has... Read full description -
Item #646347FRANK LESLIE'S ILLUSTRATED, New York, Dec. 1, 1883 Full ftpg. shows: "The Evacuation Day Centennial---Grand Marine Procession Passing Up the East River" showing the Brooklyn Bridge. Prints inside include: "Texas--Types of the Cowboys of the Plains" "Louisiana--Sketches in & About New Orleans"; great... Read full description
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Item #646076ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT & CHRONICLE, New York, April 30, 1873 The top of the ftpg. has nice column heads on the Modoc Indian War with: "ANOTHER BATTLE" "A Detachment of Troops Caught In a Trap" "Galling Cross Fire from the Modocs" "A Complete Rout" "19 Men Killed" "Gallant Conduct of Captain... Read full description
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Item #644261SACRAMENTO DAILY UNION, California, November 5, 1868 Although known to all as the current capital of California, this city got its start thanks to the protection of Sutter's Fort, which was established by John Sutter in 1839. During the California Gold Rush, Sacramento was a major distribution point, a commercial and... Read full description
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Item #643462ARIZONA DAILY GAZETTE, Phoenix, Oct. 3, 1893
* Rare old West title
* Maricopa County
This issue is from the Arizona Territory, 19 years before it joined the Union. The ftpg. has: "Three Men Wounded" "A Desperate Shooting Affray in Oakland" "Two Innocent Men are Killed in the Melee" and "Dynamite in... Read full description -
Item #643275THE OMAHA DAILY BEE, Nebraska, Nov. 16, 1893 The top of the front page has a nice account headed: "TRAIN ROBBERS CAPTURED" "One of Them Proves to Have Been a Girl in Men's Clothes" "Illinois Bandits Landed In Jail" "Three Men Who Held Up the Evansville Express & Shot the Brakeman Are... Read full description
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Item #639195THE OMAHA DAILY BEE, Nebraska, Sept. 26, 1893 The ftpg. has a nice, full column report on a train robbery headed at the top: "ON THE WRONG TRAIN" "Express Robbers in Missouri Who Didn't Know It Was Loaded" "Successful Trick of the Authorities" "Sent Out a Dummy Train in Charge of Well... Read full description
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Item #639172THE GLOBE, South Bethlehem, Penna., March 29, 1899 Page 2 has over half a column headed: "OUTLAW'S CONFESSION" "May Save Two Innocents Serving Life Sentences For Murder" "An Organized Band of Robbers" with more. A nice, classic "Wild West" report which implicates the Dalton Gang as well... Read full description
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Item #638796ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, June 19, 1875 Over half of the front page is taken up with reports on the hanging executions of 3 criminals, headed: "THE GALLOWS" "Yesterday Proves a Black Friday for Three Murderers" "National Burgess Executed at Effingham, Ills." "Bad Case for John Casey at... Read full description
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Item #638795ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, June 26, 1875 Over half of the front page is taken up with incredible detail on the hanging of three murders, with column heads: "THE GIBBET" "Three Murderers Meet an Ignominious Fate" "Wagner and Gordon Hung at Thomaston, Maine' "Henry Costley Executed Near Boston"... Read full description
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Item #638770ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Nov. 4, 1883 Likely due to its location on the edge of the Western frontier, this newspaper typically contained a wealth sensational crime reports and events from the West, much more than any found in eastern newspapers. Page 6 has: "Reported Train Robbery In Illinois" provides some details,... Read full description
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Item #638768ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Nov. 7, 1883 Likely due to its location on the edge of the Western frontier, this newspaper typically contained a wealth sensational crime reports and events from the West, much more than any found in eastern newspapers.
Inside has: "Stopping Stages" "Detailing Two Successful Attacks on... Read full description -
Item #638767ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Nov. 8, 1883 Likely due to its location on the edge of the Western frontier, this newspaper typically contained a wealth sensational crime reports and events from the West, much more than any found in eastern newspapers.
Among the reports are: "Assassinated in a Saloon" "The Danville Junction Train Robbery"... Read full description -
Item #638766ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Nov. 11, 1883 Inside includes: "The Jesse James Drama at St. Joseph"; an article on the outlaw Abe Buzzard: "The Welsh Mountain Outlaw Still at Large" "Armed Citizens Hunting the Bandit--The Pistol & Bowie Knife in Texas". Also of interesting; "California... Read full description
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Item #638765ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Nov. 12, 1883 The top of the ftpg. has: "RESERVATION INDIANS" "Secretary Teller's Report on the Condition of the Tribes" "Radical Changes Recommended--The San Carlos Apaches--A Protest from White Earth" with one of the subheads: "The Apaches at San Carlos".... Read full description
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Item #638761ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Nov. 18, 1883 Page 3 has: "Lawlessness In Texas" "Vigilance Committees Recommended by the Dallas Grand Jury" and also: "Mollie Maguires" "Mooney, the Convict, Relates His Connection with the Band" "A Society of Assassins--The Murder of Mining... Read full description
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Item #638659ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Nov. 9, 1884 Likely due to its location on the edge of the Western frontier, this newspaper typically contained a wealth sensational crime reports and events from the West than found in eastern newspapers. Page 2 begins with: "A CARNIVAL OF CRIME" "A Bloody Battle in the Streets of a Texas Town"... Read full description
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Item #638658ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Nov. 9, 1884 Likely due to its location on the edge of the Western frontier, this newspaper typically contained a wealth sensational crime reports and events from the West than found in eastern newspapers.
Page 7 has: "Frontier Gamblers" "The Games & Dealers of the Wild Southwest" & more. An... Read full description -
Item #638648ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, July 12, 1885 Likely due to its location on the edge of the Western frontier, this newspaper typically contained a wealth sensational crime reports and events from the West than found in eastern newspapers.
Page 3 has over column headed: "HOSTILE APACHES" "Texans Indignant Over a Proposition Looking to Their... Read full description -
Item #638641ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Aug. 24, 1885
* Lily Langtry
* Notre Dame University
The front page has an interesting article titled: "Lily Langtry - The Lonsdale-Chetwynd Quarrel" which takes close to half a column. A subhead is: "Mrs. Lingtry's New Play" Langtry was a celebrated actress &... Read full description -
Item #638577NEW YORK TRIBUNE, Sept. 26, 1893
* Old west style train robbery
The front page has over a column of text headed; "TRAIN ROBBERS TRAPPED" "Police Filled The Cars" 'Two of the Outlaws Killed and Four Captured" "A Bandit Betrays His Fellows" and more. Actually a great report as it reads like a... Read full description -
Item #638576THE NEW YORK TIMES, May 3, 1878 The front page has about half a column headed: "Sitting Bull And His Bands" with various subheads including: "Reported Disposition of the Wily Savage to Make Peace--Letters Received by Gen. Miles from Fort Keogh..." and more.
Ten pages, a few minor margin tears, evenly toned, good condition... Read full description -
Item #637147ARIZONA DAILY GAZETTE, Phoenix, Oct. 11, 1893
* Rare old West title
* Maricopa County
This issue is from the Arizona Territory, 19 years before it joined the Union. Varied news reports both local & national with a nice wealth of ads as well, many of which are illustrated.
Eight pages, very nice condition. -
Item #634212DESERET EVENING NEWS, Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, October 22, 1890 Just what we hope to find on the front page of a newspaper from the Old West is in this issue: "Daring Robbery" "The Watchman Gagged & Bound and $2000 Secured" with some details. Not a lengthy nor conspicuous report, but great to have in this title.
... Read full description -
Item #633688ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Aug. 31, 1878
* Outlaw Bill Hildebrand
* Southeast Missouri Bushwhacker
* Inventor Thomas Edison
The top of page 3 has heads including: "BRED IN THE BONE" "Bill Hildebrand Following in Sam's Footsteps" which begins: "William Hildebrand, a brother of the renowned Missouri... Read full description -
Item #631762THE OMAHA DAILY BEE, Nebraska, April 15, 1892 The top of the front page has an interesting article headed: "ROBBED A TRAIN WITH EASE" "Three Men Hold Up an Express Seventy Miles from New Orleans" "They Didn't Have to Fire A Shot" "Glitter of Their Revolvers Induced the Engineer, Fireman and Express... Read full description
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Item #631453ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Aug. 4, 1883 This was certainly one of the best newspapers at reporting now iconic events of the Old West, this issue including; "Through The Trap--Henry Lee, A Virginia Murderer, Executed at Richmond--The Doomed Man Goes to His Death Stolidly" "Shot Dead by a Gambler" "A Texas Cowboy on a... Read full description
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Item #631002THE SAN DIEGO UNION, California, Oct. 4, 1873
* Captain Jack execution
* Lava Beds War
* Modoc Indians
The top of page 2 has an article: "Execution of the Modocs" which mentions in part: "...the day fixed by order of the President for the execution of the Modoc prisoners at Fort Klamath, Oregon...hanging... Read full description -
Item #630991TRANS-CONTINENTAL -- a complete reprint collection of all 12 issues of this fascinating newspaper.
The newspaper titled "Trans-Continental" was a stroke of historical genius in the mind of its editor, W. R. Steele. On May 24, 1870 over 130 passengers boarded a beautiful eight car Pullman train built under special orders... Read full description



















































