Historic Newspapers:

TRANS-CONTINENTAL, Laramie, Wyoming, June 28, 1870

• First Transcontinental Railroad "Overland Route"
• Very first excursion published newspaper (#9)

This is a very fascinating newspaper, borne in the ingenious mind of a publisher who decided to take a small printing press on board the first transcontinental railroad excursion and publish 6 issues westbound and 6 issues eastbound.  Printed on a Gordon press in the baggage car, it is considered the very first newspaper composed, printed, & published

"CENTRAL PACIFIC RAILROAD" "Nelsons' Pictorial Guide-Books. The Central Pacific Railroad: A Trip Across the North American Continent from Ogden to San Francisco." New York: T. Nelson & Sons, [circa 1878–1881].
Oblong 16mo (approximately 4¼ x 7¼ inches). Original green pictorial cloth stamped in black and gilt on the front cover, all edges plain. 83 pages. Included is a blue-tinted route map and all 12  chromolithographic views, and numerous text illustrations.
A remarkably well-preserved

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, February 29, 1868  The front page features a 3/4 page illustration '"Don't Go Yet!'' Dramatic fullpage 'Scene In the Hospital For Incurables on Blackwell's Island.' Beautiful print: 'The New Suspension Bridge Over the Ohio River At Cincinnati'. A 1/4 page illustration 'Stuart's portrait of George Washington' with text. An article entitled "Relieving the Poor" with two 1/2 page illustrations. Fullpage illustration 'Arrival of the Body of Prince Maximillian of Miramar

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, June 22, 1833  A report inside begins: "A New Locomotive Engine, constructed by Mr. R. L. Stevens, was lately placed on the Camden and Amboy railroad, and works beautifully." Some details about the speed, plus mention that: "The capacity to generate steam has, also, been much improved...and it is hoped that anthracite coal may be used....These are great things. There are now three engines on this road..."
A second report begins: "The Locomotive Engine,

CLEVELAND WEEKLY HERALD, Cleveland, Ohio, June 4, 1880

• Stephenson's Rocket steam locomotive print

Page 3 has a nice two column illustration of the "Stephenson's Rocket" steam locomotive with headline: "A History of the Ohio Railroad Company--The Forerunner, and What Might Have Been the Parent of the Present Lake Shore Railroad"

Other news and advertisements of the day. Complete in 8 pages, good condition.

SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, May 16, 1885.

Passenger Locomotive - New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad

This 16 page issue is in nice condition and contains illustrations of the latest inventions of the day including the following inventions and/or prints: Standard Passenger Locomotive - Sash Cord Fastener - Carpet Stretcher - Railroad Grip - Gas Engine & More. These illustrations also have text that goes along with them. Very interesting advertisements as well, back in the day when many

TRANS-CONTINENTAL, Grand Island, Nebraska, June 29, 1870

• First Transcontinental Railroad "Overland Route"
• Very first excursion published newspaper (#10)

This is a very fascinating newspaper, borne in the ingenious mind of a publisher who decided to take a small printing press on board the first transcontinental railroad excursion and publish 6 issues westbound and 6 issues eastbound.  Printed on a Gordon press in the baggage car, it is considered the very first newspaper composed, printed, &

NEW YORK WEEKLY TRIBUNE, Oct. 23, 1867  The front page has: "The Indians" which reports from the Plains & at Fort Larned. Included as well is a letter from Fort Sumner, New Mexico concerning the Indian situation mentioning the Navajos, Apaches, and Utahs.
Page 6 has: "The Pacific Railroad" "Railroad Contractors Compelled to Carry On War--The Kansas Indians Fighting for a Paradise". A nice account of the progress of the transcontinental railroad, which wouldn't be completed until May, 1869.

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Oct. 5, 1852

• Transcontinental Railroad thought

Page 3 has a nice report: "The Desert Beyond the Colorado--And the Pacific Railroad" being a detailed letter on the topography of the West, and the availability of water. Also some good talk concerning the construction of a railroad to the Pacific, which would not be realized until 1869.
Page 3 also has: "From Texas" as well as: "Military Movements on the Frontier" which is a report from Fort Ewell,

TRANS-CONTINENTAL, Omaha, Nebraska, May 26, 1870  This is a very fascinating newspaper, born in the ingenious mind of a publisher who decided to take a small printing press on board the first transcontinental railroad excursion and publish 6 issues westbound and 6 issues eastbound.  Printed on a Gordon press in the baggage car, it is considered the very first newspaper composed, printed, & published on a train.
This is issue #2, published in Omaha, Nebraska. Each issue recorded the process of

SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, Feb. 20, 1892  The ftpg. features a great illustration captioned: "Compound Locomotive Made by the Rhode Island Locomotive Works" with a related article.
Inside prints include a fullpg. of: "The World's Columbian Exposition" "The Proposed Odd Fellows' Temple at Chicago" and more.
Sixteen pages, never bound or trimmed, good condition.

SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, Feb. 20, 1892  The ftpg. features a great illustration captioned: "Compound Locomotive Made by the Rhode Island Locomotive Works" with a related article.
Inside prints include a fullpg. of: "The World's Columbian Exposition" "The Proposed Odd Fellows' Temple at Chicago" and more.
Sixteen pages, good condition.

SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, February 10, 1877  The front page has a very interesting illustration captioned: "Novel Hydraulic Railway Locomotive"  showing what essentially looks like a paddlewheel-powered flume ride. A related front page article as well.
Inside the issue is "Guardiola's Sugar and Coffee Machinery"; "Blaisdell's Upright Moulding Machine"; "Spoke-Making Machinery"; and more illustrations, articles and advertisements.
Sixteen pages and in nice condition.

SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, February 10, 1877  The front page has a very interesting illustration captioned: "Novel Hydraulic Railway Locomotive"  showing what essentially looks like a paddlewheel-powered flume ride. A related front page article as well.
Inside the issue is "Guardiola's Sugar and Coffee Machinery" "Blaisdell's Upright Moulding Machine" "Spoke-Making Machinery" and more illustrations, articles and advertisements.
Sixteen pages, nice condition.

SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, October 20, 1877  The front cover continues a halfpage illustration "Fireless Locomotive For Street Railways" which has an accompanying article. Inside the issue is: "The Baromotor"; "Root's Blower for Mine Ventilation"; "Automatic Fire Extinguisher"; "Small Geared Locomotives"; and more illustrations, articles and advertisements.
This is complete in 16 pages with an irregular left spine, a small library stamp in the dateline, otherwise is in good condition.

TRANS-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 of George M. Pullman specifically for this trip, the first chartered excursion by rail from the Atlantic to the Pacific. On board was carried a small printing press which was

AMERICAN RAILROAD JOURNAL, New York, Feb. 8, 1834

• Very early on the railroad industry
• Uncommon publication

This is an early issue of the very first American periodical on railroading.
The best feature of this newspaper may be the great and very early engraving of a railroad train in the masthead, showing an engine with three cars. Note the crudeness of the train, but keep in mind this is from the very beginning years of the railroad industry. 
Various railroad-related text throughout the issue

AMERICAN RAILROAD JOURNAL, New York, Dec. 19, 1835

• Very early on the railroad industry
• Uncommon publication

This is an early issue of the very first American periodical on railroading.
The best feature of this newspaper may be the great and very early engraving of a railroad train in the masthead, showing an engine with three cars. Note the crudeness of the train, but keep in mind this is from the very beginning years of the railroad industry. 
Various railroad-related text throughout, 3 pages

AMERICAN RAILROAD JOURNAL, New York

• Very early & rare railroad periodical
• Trains - locomotives - lot of 6 issues

This title was the very first American periodical on railroading. Offered here is a lot of 6 issues from its earliest years, showing the change in title and masthead engravings during a brief 16-month period.
The lot begins with vol. 1 number 1 dated Jan. 2, 1832; Oct. 6, 1832; Nov. 10, 1832; Nov. 17, 1832; Dec. 8, 1832; and April 4, 1833.
Note that the title changes from: "Rail-Road

AMERICAN RAILROAD JOURNAL, New York, Oct. 23, 1845

• Early on the railroad industry
• Uncommon publication

An early issue of the very first American periodical on railroading. The best feature of this newspaper might be the engravings of a railroad engines and coaches as well as related railroad devices & inventions, as found on pages 1, 2 & 3.
The balance of the issue is taken up with a wide range of railroad-related articles with a wealth of illustrated advertisements as well.
Sixteen pages, 8

AMERICAN RAILROAD JOURNAL, New York, Dec. 4, 1845

• Early on the railroad industry
• Uncommon publication

An early issue of the very first American periodical on railroading. The best feature of this newspaper might be the engravings of a railroad engines and coaches as well as related railroad devices & inventions, as found on pages 1, 2 & 3.
The balance of the issue is taken up with a wide range of railroad-related articles with a wealth of illustrated advertisements as well.
Sixteen pages, 8 1/2

NEW YORK HERALD, Oct. 28, 1859

• John Brown's insurrection - invasion - raid
• Harpers Ferry, West Virginia criminal trial
• Underground Railroad & Frederick Douglass

The top of the front page has some nice column heads on the Harper's Ferry insurrection: "The Harper's Ferry Outbreak" "The Trial of John Brown, Charged with Insurrection, Treason and Murder" "The Testimony of the Witnesses Against the Prisoner" "Confession of Copland, the Negro" "Startling Revelations Forthcoming in Which the Guilty

AMERICAN RAILROAD JOURNAL, New York, July 26, 1834  This is a very early issue--a volume three issue--of the very first American periodical on railroading. The best feature of this newspaper is the great and very early engraving of a railroad train in the masthead, showing an engine with three cars. Note the simplicity of the train, but keep in mind this is from the very beginning years of the railroad industry. 
There are railroad-related articles in this 16 page issue but there is also other

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, Oct. 6, 1854

• Slavery - slaves - pre-Civil War tensions
• Rare "Underground Railroad" mention

The bottom of page 4 has small report with a rare mention of the Underground Railroad.
Because it was a secretive operation it is very difficult to find period accounts of its operation.
This article, from Lowville, New York, specifically has "underground railroad" noted in the text under the heading: "Fugitive Slaves--Bears", reading: "Four fugitives from slavery arrived in this place

AMERICAN RAILROAD JOURNAL, New York, Dec. 18, 1845  An early issue of the very first American periodical on railroading. The best feature of this newspaper might be the engravings of a railroad engines and coaches as well as related railroad devices & inventions, as found on pages 1, 2 & 3.
The balance of the issue is taken up with a wide range of railroad-related articles with a wealth of illustrated advertisements as well.
Sixteen pages, 8 1/2 by 11 inches, stray ink marks at the top, nice

NEW YORK TIMES, May 11, 1869

• Completing the Transcontinental railroad
• Golden spike driven in at Promontory Point

The front page begins with over three columns taken up with this historic reporting of the completion of the transcontinental railroad which officially happened the day before, with the top of the first column heads: "EAST AND WEST" "Completion of the Great Line Spanning the Continent" "The Closing Work and Ceremonies at Promontory Summit" "The News Flashed by Telegraph

SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, May 27, 1893

• Winby's Four-Cylinder English Express Locomotive

The front page has a large illustration: "The World's Columbian Exposition--Winby's Four-Cylinder English Express Locomotive." Report has the dimensions of the locomotive & more, concluding inside.

Other topics with prints throughout. 16 pages in nice condition.

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, Dec. 16, 1857  Page 6 has 2 1/2 columns taken up with a terrific, and very uncommon report on the Underground Railroad.
Because it was a secretive operation it is very difficult to find period accounts of its operation. This article specifically has "underground railroad" noted in the heads, which include: "Under-Ground Railroad Report" "Forty-Four Passengers In Two Weeks" "Great Panic and Indignation Meeting" "Enormous Rewards Offered".
Near the beginning is: "As usual, many

Here is a Pennsylvania Railroad pocket schedule dated June 29, 1889 for train service between the two big East coast cities of New York and Philadelphia. This booklet measures 4 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches and is 4 pages. (see images) Very minor wear along the top margin, otherwise in very nice condition.

Background: The June 29, 1889 date on your miniature Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) timetable carries profound historical significance, capturing the company at a critical turning point in American

SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, July 12, 1902  The front page has 6 vignettes captioned: "THE FAMOUS OROYA RAILROAD OF PERU, WHICH CLIMBS HIGHER THAN ANY OTHER ON THE GLOBE". Additional related photos and considerable text are also found on inside pages.
Note: As mentioned in the caption above, at the time it was built, the railroad climbed higher than any other in the world. Eventually it height was exceeded by the Qingzang railway in Tibet (at Tanggula Pass in 2005), but as of this listing it

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., June 16, 1853  Among the page 3 articles are: "Surveys For the Pacific Railroad" which reports on the work being done to find an appropriate route for an Atlantic-to-Pacific railroad, not to be completed until 1869.
Also: "Condition of the Colored Race" which has interesting commentary, including; "...condition of the free black or colored population in the States, slave as well as non-slaveholding, shows concussively that emancipation...would be

SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN SUPPLEMENT, New York, July 17, 1897  Page 8 has: "HEAVIEST LOCOMOTIVE IN THE WORLD - TANK LOCOMOTIVE, INDIAN STATE RAILWAYS".
The front page has: "THE QUEEN'S JUBILEE - ILLUMINATION OF WINDSOR CASTLE ON JUNE 18".
The remainder of the issue has: "INGLIS TRIPLE-EXPANSION PADDLE ENGINES", "SPECIAL DELIVERY CAR TRANSFER STEAMER", "THE WISHURST INFLUENCE MACHINT AT THE ROYAL SOCIETY SOIRRE", and more illustrations, articles and advertisements. 
Complete in sixteen pages, never

NEW 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 Mail" "Short Trip Across the Plains" with several dispatches. A very significant event in the settling of the West.
Eight pages, nice condition.

FRANK LESLIE'S ILLUSTRATED, from New York, New York, dated May 7, 1870  This issue contains an article entitled "A Railroad Two Feet in Width" with an accompanying quarter-page illustration "Great Britain - a New Two-Foot Guage Railroad, in the Principality of Wales".

This is a complete issue in 16 page issue. This has a small tear in the upper left corner of the front page (which has been archivally mended - and is completely contained within the front page margin), a library ink-stamp at the

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Feb. 10, 1872  Most of the ftpg. is a railroad scene captioned: 'Danger Ahead'. Two nearly halfpg. scenes showing: 'Snow-Bound on the Central Pacific Railroad'. Fullpg. Nast cartoon showing H. Greeley as a Presidential nominee. Two prints showing various ironclad monitors in the Dela

NEW YORK HERALD, New York, February 2, 1842

• American Musuem
• Niagara Falls - Early railroad

Page 2 has a report about the attractions at the American Museum, including a model of the city of Dublin, the "Falls of Niagara, with real water", the Grand Cosmorama, the Pneumatic Railroad and some of the performances.

Other news of the day with ads. 4 pages in nice condition.

SACRAMENTO DAILY UNION, Sacramento, California, September 25, 1868  On the front page under "The Pacific Railroad" is a report in which "...L. Gaylord Clark claims the honor of being the first one who predicted the building of a railway across the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific... There would be no difficulty in the way of constructing a railroad from the Atlantic to the pacific ocean; and the probably the time may not be very far distant when trips will be made across the continent, as they

NEW-YORK EVENING POST, April 27, 1833.

• Schenectady and Utica Railroad Company est.

A page 2 report begins: It will be a matter of public congratulations that the senate...passed the bill from the house to incorporate the Schenectady and Utica railroad company, by a unanimous vote. A few other details as well. Other news of the day includes: "Stage Robbery" "importation and Comsumption of Wines" and more. 4 pages in nice condition.

NEW 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 at Milk Creek. Two men were killed & scalped...number killed at the Plum Creek Railroad affair is six..." with much more.
Page 3 has: "The Mining Regions - Montana - The Snake River

THE SPRINGFIELD UNION, Mass., May 24, 1946

• Railroad workers strike beginning
• Strike wave of 1945-1946

The front page has a nice banner headline: "STRIKE CRIPPLES NATION'S RAILROADS AS TWO UNIONS REJECT TRUMAN PLAN" with many subheads and related photo pictorial. (see images)
Complete with 28 pages, light toning at the margins, nice condition.

background: The Railroad Strike of 1946 stands as a watershed moment in American history because it forced a dramatic re-evaluation of the limits of

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., March 18, 1852

• Early railroad construction in the West

The front page has: "Fugitive Slaves" as well as: "Export of Gold From California" which includes a chart. Also: "From Texas" and "From El Paso" "A Patriot of the Rio Grande".
Page 2 has: "A Plan for Constructing a Railroad over the Plains between the Missouri River and the Rocky Mountains" which is 1 1/2 columns.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, foxing to the top quadrant of the ftpg.,

THE DAY, New London, Connecticut, June 24, 1924

• Aviator Russell Maughan
• 1st Dawn-to-dusk transcontinental flight across the U.S.

The front page has a two column heading: "LIEUT. RUSSELL L. MAUGHAN FLIES FROM COAST TO COAST" with subhead. (see) First report coverage on Russell Maughan becoming the first person to fly across the United States from coast to coast within the hours of daylight.
Other news, sports and advertisements of the day. Complete with all 14 pages, a few small small binding

SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, NY, May 12, 1883.

• The Pennsylvania Railroad Company

The front page has eight illustrations of "The Broad Street Passenger Station Of The Pennsylvania Railroad Company At Philadelphia", the largest of which gives an exterior view of the station.

The issue is in good condition and is nice for display.

THE SUN, N.Y., May 9, 1834 Pg. 3 has a report about an accident on the Camden and Amboy Railroad, when two engines travelling in opposite directions made contact at a curve. The Camden & Amboy RR was the first RR in New Jersey and one of the earliest in the U.S. May be one of first railroad accidents! Other news of the day includes: "Another Murder" "Police Office" and more. Several interesting advertisements as well. Quarto-size, 4 pgs., archival mends to two inner margins tears.

BOSTON EVENING TRANSCRIPT, July 19, 1881

• Outlaw Jesse James-Younger gang
• Rock Island railroad train robbery
• Winston, Daviess County, Missouri

Page 2 begins with a quite lengthy account of what was the infamous Rock Island Railroad robbery by the James Gang.
It is headed: "The Great Train Robbery" and begins: "Charles Murray...was the messenger of the U.S. Express Company on the train robbed by the James gang...He gave a correspondent the following account of the affair so far as it came to his