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 #626678SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, Bakersfield, March 11, 1875
* Rare Old West title
An uncommon & early title from this California town.
Four pages, a wealth of ads, never bound nor trimmed, nice condition.
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Item #626167ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, July 22, 1883 Among the articles within are: "Chronicles of Crime--A Georgia Hackman's Throat Cut from Ear to Ear" "Fatal Affray Between Farmers" "Telephone Transmitters" "A Child Roasted Alive" "Mrs. Langtry In A New Role" which is about the famed Lillie Langtry.... Read full description
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Item #625501THE ARIZONA GAZETTE, Phoenix, March 21, 1895
* Rare Old West title
* Maricopa County
Difficult to find 19th century newspapers from Phoenix but here is one. This was published 17 years before Arizona statehood.
Various news & ads of the day including a column of: "Local Briefs" with small news tidbits; "Rode With A... Read full description -
Item #622762NORMAN DEMOCRAT-TOPIC, Norman, Oklahoma, April 6, 1900
* Rare territorial title
This is actually a "territorial" newspaper, as Oklahoma did not become a state until 1907, one of only 3 of the contiguous 48 to join the union in the 20th century (New Mexico & Arizona the other two).
Most of the front page is taken up with... Read full description -
Item #620938THE MISSOURI REPUBLICAN, St. Louis, April 25, 1882 Page 2 has half a column of text headed: "Frank Or A Fraud" "Brother of the Dead Bandit at Kansas City" "Sensational Stores of Frank James at St. Joe and Vicinity" "One of the Texas Train Robbers Said to Have Been Captured" " "Frank James Again"... Read full description
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Item #620482ALAMEDA NEWS, California, August 17, 1881 This is a small broadside "supplement" (printed on one side only) that has a report about a meeting of the "Town Trustees", plus the weekly "Police Report" and other content. Measures 8 by 5 3/8 inches, lightly browned, nice.
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Item #620248ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Missouri, Aug. 29, 1883
* Outlaw Frank James
* Jesse James gang
* Gallatin, Missouri trial
The top of the ftpg. has column heads: "In The Last Ditch" "A Dark Day for the Defense in the Trial at Gallatin" "Liddell's Testimony Corroborated by Unimpeachable Witnesses" "Statement... Read full description -
Item #619707EVENING EXPRESS, Los Angeles, California, Jan. 28, 1874
* Rare Old West title
* Tiburcio Vasquez
The front page has a bring article: "After The Reward" concerning hopes of earning the $15,000 reward for the capture of the noted outlaw Vasquez (see).
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, very nice condition. -
Item #617251THE AMERICAN SOCIALIST, Oneida, New York, Sept. 18, 1879 A article inside has the heading, "One Thing And Another", which states in part: "Sitting Bull is a powerful savage with a massive face-- as big, say, as a ten quart pail--and with plenty of room on it for the display of deep-plowed lines of decision... Read full description
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Item #616770DESERET EVENING NEWS, Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, Dec. 11, 1889
* Jefferson Davis death
* Confederate president - Confederacy
A "territorial" newspaper from seven years before Utah would be come a state. The ftpg. has: "Jefferson Davis' Remains - Views Yesterday by Some 70,000 Persons" with various subheads... Read full description -
Item #616397PROGRESS, Denver, Valverde & Harman, Colorado, Jan. 27, 1893 A typical newspaper of the day which contains many "folksy" news items, such as "The horse hitched to the wagon of Ingtersoll & Meyer ran away last Monday & did considerable damage to the vehicle." & "Our new postmistress, Miss Peters,... Read full description
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Item #616048ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Jan. 3, 1880
* Jesse James killed ?
* Outlaw - train robber
The top of page 3 has an interesting article: "IS JESSE JAMES DEAD?" "A Certificate for His Burial Alleged to Have Been Issued" "The Mystery Almost Certain to Be Cleared Up Within the Next Few Days". He would not die until over two years... Read full description -
Item #615312TRANS-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 -
Item #615279OAKLAND HOME JOURNAL, California, Feb. 8, 1873 Page 2 has an interesting article on: "Mountain George, the Hunter" who apparently was somewhat of a Grizzly Adams-type (see). A wealth of ads as well.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, great condition. -
Item #615159THE DAILY AMERICAN, Nashville, Tennessee, May 21, 1881
* Albert H. Pfeiffer death
* Kit Carson
Page 3 has a nice article: "Kit Carson's Companion" "A Picturesque Story of an Old Pioneer" which is actually an article on Col. Albert H. Pfeiffer who had recently died. See the web for much on his life and his... Read full description -
Item #612995ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, May 5, 1882
* Outlaw Jesse James
Page 8 has a very interesting article taking almost an entire column: "Brown, The Mind--reader" "He Tells of an Interview He Had with the Late Jesse James" "How He was Mistaken for a Detective & Told to Skip Out of Kansas City--His Visit to the... Read full description -
Item #612658THE DEMOCRATIC STANDARD, Eureka, Humboldt County, California, February 22, 1879
* Newspaper from the Old West in Northern California
A rather scarce title from Northern California filled with various news and advertisements of the day, several of the ads being illustrated.
Never bound nor... Read full description -
Item #611697ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Missouri, Feb. 3, 1879 The top of the last front page column has: "Wild Bill's Last Shot" "The Career of a Desperado Cut Short by a Bullet" "He Wounds a Gambler and Then Drops Out of Existence" is a report from Denison, Texas of: "...a desperado from the Indian Territory named William Worts,... Read full description
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Item #611611CALIFORNIA EVENING REPUBLICAN, San Francisco, CA, May 25, 1872. This 4 page newspaper has news of the day with several interesting advertisements. With newspapers West of the Mississippi being very rare prior to 1900, here is an opportunity to get a issue from the old West back when cowboys, indians, saloons, gold miners & gunfights were often seen... Read full description
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Item #611435DAILY MEMPHIS AVALANCHE, Tennessee, Dec. 7, 1881
* President Chester A. Arthur
* State of the Union Address
Pages 2 and 3 containing the complete printing of President Chester Arthur's annual state-of-the-union address, headed: "THE MESSAGE" with other heads: "A Satisfactory Document, Especially in... Read full description -
Item #611272ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Missouri, July 10, 1875
* Outlaws attempt to rob train
* Ad - P. T. Barnum's "Great Roman Hippodrome" circus
The back page has 1 2/3 of a column taken up with great & detailed content concerning the train robbery at Long Point, Illinois, with heads at the top of the column: "PULL... Read full description -
Item #609855SOUTHERN CALIFORNIAN, Bakersfield, Kern County, California, April 9, 1874
* Rare Old West title
A very early newspaper from this city at the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley. Various news of the day with a wealth of ads as well.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, wide margins, great condition. -
Item #609854SOUTHERN CALIFORNIAN, Bakersfield, Kern County, California, June 18, 1874
* Rare Old West title
A very early newspaper from this city at the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley. Various news of the day with a wealth of ads as well.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, great condition. -
Item #609560MARYSVILLE DAILY APPEAL, California, June 8, 1873
* Rare Old West title
* Modoc Indians war
Page 3 has a report with small column heads: "From The Modoc Country" "Timber Brought into Camp for the Scaffold--General Davis Announces His Intention of Hanging About a Dozen of the Modocs--The Warriors have no Friends" with other subheads... Read full description -
Item #609204THE NAPA REGISTER, Napa City, California, 1874 Although in the heart of the wine region, for which this city is famous today, its beginnings were centered more on the California Gold Rush of 1849. This city became a refuge for miners during the first severe winter of mining & later became an important center for lumber &... Read full description
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Item #608789SANTA BARBARA INDEX, California, Jan. 22, 1874
* Rare Old West title
A very early & uncommon title from this well-known California city. Typical news & ads of the day. Page 2 has: "The Future Railroad System of Southern California".
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, one ink stain, a few small margin tears, generally good. -
Item #606536NEW YORK TIMES, April 30, 1867
* 9 years prior to Custer's massacre
The front page has a brief article: "The War with the Indians" which mentions: "...at Fort Phil Kearny thinks the Crow Indians can be kept quiet by the presence of the large force of troops...Gen. Custer is still pursuing the Cheyennes, who have... Read full description -
Item #604769NEW YORK DAILY TRIBUNE, Aug. 27, 1894 Page 9 has a nice, illustrated advertisement for "Buffalo Bill's Wild West" show with a small likeness of Buffalo Bill (see). Just above it is an ad for "Sousa's Band", being the famed John Philip Sousa.
Complete in 10 pages, lightly browned, some small margin tears,... Read full description -
Item #602863DESERET EVENING NEWS, Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, Jan. 13, 1890 A Mormon newspaper from 6 years before Utah statehood. Page 3 has: "Idaho's Admission" "Judge Wilson, Prest. Wm. Budge & Others Opposing It for the 'Mormons' " "Dubois Makes A Harangue Against the Church". Idaho would join the Union on... Read full description
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Item #602471NEW YORK TIMES, April 30, 1873 The top of the first column has: "THE MODOCS" "Another Encounter in the Lava Beds--A Detachment Ambushed by Indians--23 Killed and 18 Wounded". This coverage takes over 2 columns.
Twelve pages, minor spine wear to the back leaf, nice condition. -
Item #601512DAILY INDEPENDENT, Santa Barbara, California, June 4, 1883
* Rare Old West title
A volume one issue from this famous West Coast city, known as the "American Riviera". Various news reports and a great wealth of advertisements, many of which are illustrated.
Four pages, lightly toned, small binding holes at the blank spine margin. -
Item #600767THE NEW YORK TRIBUNE, October 10, 1877
* Nez Perce War ends
* Battle of Bear Paw - Snake Creek
* Chief Joseph surrenders
The Front page has small one column headings: "The Fight With The Nez Perces", "Conclusion Of General Terry's Dispatch--Reported Capture and Release Of Joseph" This report in fact was... Read full description -
Item #600254THE NEW YORK TIMES, January 22, 1873
* Modoc War - California Indians
* Lava Beds - Captain Jack fame
The front page has small one column headings: "Indian Affairs" "The Battle With the Modocs--A Petition from Arizona" See images for text here.
Other news of the day. Complete in 8 pages, nice condition. -
Item #599749DESERET EVENING NEWS, Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, Jan. 11, 1890 The front page has: "Colored Children" "Trouble in Illinois Over their Admission to the Public Schools" "He Was Shunned". Much of page 2 is taken up with: "Remarks of Apostle Heber J. Grant" and so much more.
Complete in 6 pages, large folio... Read full description -
Item #599684WOODLAND DAILY DEMOCRAT, Yolo County, California, May 9, 1886 Formerly known as Yolo City, Woodland lies 15 miles northwest of Sacramento. Various news of the day and a wealth of Western-style advertisements.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, some minor margin tears, nice condition. -
Item #599682THE WEEKLY ANTIOCH LEDGER, Contra Costa County, California, Jan. 13, 1877
* Rare Old West title
This is one of the oldest communities in California having been founded in 1850. It is in the East Bay region of San Francisco Bay, formerly known as Smith's Landing and Marshs Landing, in 1850 a plague infested the city and wiped out most of... Read full description -
Item #598774THE SALT LAKE HERALD, Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, February 22, 1871
* Uncommon title
This 4 page newspaper has news of the day with several interesting advertisements.
With newspapers West of the Mississippi being very rare prior to 1900, here is an opportunity to get a issue from the Old West back when cowboys, Indians,... Read full description -
Item #598580THE PEOPLE'S CAUSE, Red Bluff, Tehama County, California, Oct. 10, 1874
* Rare Old west title
This is from 2 years before the city would be incorporated. Located in Northern California, there is much news of the day both local & national.
Complete in 8 pages, never bound nor trimmed, various tears at margins otherwise good. -
Item #598463ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT & CHRONICLE, New York, Jan. 21, 1873 The top of the first column has a nice stack of headlines, many concerning the Modoc Indian War, including: "DESPERATE BATTLE" "With the Modoc Indians" "Ten Hours of Conflict with a Concealed Foe" "Defeat of the Troops" "Outnumbered, Five to One"... Read full description
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Item #597888DESERET EVENING NEWS, Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, Jan. 4, 1890 From six years before Utah would become a state. Inside has: "The Idaho Test Oath Case" which takes most of the page. Also: "And What Next? "Immorality Sanctioned by City Ordinance at San Antonio, Texas" "One Woman Sues Another for Having Alienated... Read full description
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Item #597498DESERET SEMI-WEEKLY NEWS, Salt Lake City, Utah, Dec. 6, 1892 The top of the last column on the front page note: "JAY GOULD DEAD" "That is the Startling Announcement Today" "Her Dies of Consumption" "What Was Known of the Patient's Condition Last Night" and a bit more (see). The report takes two-thirds of... Read full description
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Item #597490UKIAH CITY PRESS, Mendocino County, California, Feb. 25, 1881
* Rare Old West title
From Northern California & the largest city in Mendocino County. Various news of the day both local & national, with a wealth of local advertising as well.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, nice condition. -
Item #597185DESERET EVENING NEWS, Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, Jan. 11, 1890 From 6 years before Utah would become a state. Various news of the day & a great wealth of ads, many of which are illustrated.
Four pages, some browning at folds, some archival mends at the margins of folds, generally nice condition. -
Item #597057DESERET EVENING NEWS, Utah Territory, Jan. 15, 1890 The front page has "Idaho's Admission" "The Adjourned Hearing Before the Senate Committee" which discusses the proposal of admitting Idaho to the Union, which happened on July 3 of 1890.
Four pages, large folio size, minor perforation at an upper fold with some foxing... Read full description -
Item #597056DESERET EVENING NEWS, Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, January 15, 1890
* Mormons title
* Idaho statehood
The front page has "Idaho's Admission" and "The Adjourned Hearing Before the Senate Committee" which discusses the proposal of admitting Idaho to the Union, which happened on July 3 of 1890.
Four pages, large folio... Read full description -
Item #597009DESERET EVENING NEWS, Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, Oct. 24, 1876 From this "territory" 20 years before Utah would become a state. Inside has: "The Indians--300 Lodges Captured, Disarmed & Dismounted" "The Express Robbery" "Killed by a Train" & much more. A wealth of ads.
Four pages, never bound nor... Read full description -
Item #595842THE DESERET NEWS, Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, Feb. 4, 1885
* Judaica - Jewish
* Mormonism
The front page has various: "Territorial Items". Inside has: "A Significant Movement Among Jews", followed by: "The 'Mormons' Are Not Gone Yet" (see photos).
Sixteen pages, never bound nor trimmed so it folds out to one huge... Read full description -
Item #594328THE DAILY NEVADA TRIBUNE, Carson City, Nevada, November 7, 1879
* Rare Old west title
* Mining era
Coin collectors are very familiar with this town for the mint which produced the much desired gold & silver coins which bear the "C.C." mint mark. Situated just east of Lake Tahoe at the western "elbow" of the state, this... Read full description -
Item #593619SALT LAKE DAILY TRIBUNE, Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, June 7, 1872
* Ulysses S. Grant
* Old West title
Page 2 has a report: "Grant Triumphant" concerning his nomination for President of the United States (see photos). A great wealth of ads from Utah 24 years before statehood.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, nice condition. -
Item #592602THE WHEELING INTELLIGENCER, Wheeling, West Virginia, July 20, 1881
* Death of Jim Bridger
* Mountain men - trappers
The very bottom of the front page has a brief report headed: "An Old Scout Dead" with a Kansas City dateline, reading: "James Bridger, an old-time frontiersman and scout, who took General Fremont across the plains, died... Read full description






















































