Historic Newspapers: Search Results

THE LEISURE HOUR, London, Sept. 12, 1861 This 12 page issue measures 9 1/2 x 6 1/2 inches and is "A Family Journal Of Instruction And Recreation" with 2 illustrations.
Nice condition.

Background: The September 12, 1861 issue of The Leisure Hour (No. 507) stands as a vital cultural artifact that highlights the shifting media landscape and socio-political anxieties of Victorian Britain. Published under the direction of the Religious Tract Society, this particular weekly issue embodies the…

THE WORLD, New York City, March 11, 1861 

* Start of the Civil War close (Fort Sumter)
* Tensions at a boiling point in the South
* Southern slavery and the Confederacy
* History about to be made

From just weeks before the outbreak of the Civil War, this issue has some reports on the impending conflict.
The top of page 4 has a one column heading: "STATE OF THE NATION" with various subheads. (see images)
Complete with 8 pages, uncut and untrimmed, light creasing with toning and a little wear at the…

The DAILY PROGRESS, New Bern, North Carolina, Aug. 2, 1861 

* Very rare Confederate publication

This is a single sheet newspaper with just a one column masthead, not uncommon from the Confederacy where newsprint was often difficult to come by. From the early part of the Civil War with many items relating to it, including article headed "Resolutions of Mississippi on the Victories in Virginia" is concerning Bull Run; and "Admission of Missouri as a Member of the Southern Confederacy" includes the…

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, Jan. 12, 1861  

* America preparing for Civil War
* Abraham Lincoln as president-elect
* Florida and Alabama leave the Union

Items inside include: "Martin Van Buren's Opinion of Lincoln" "Startling Evidence of Treason" "the Pony Express" "The Pro-Slavery Rebellion" "Secession of Florida" "Expulsion Of Traitors" "Firmness of the President" "Secession of Alabama" "Firing on the Star of the West" and more.
Eight pages, indents at the blank spine from disbinding, a few discreet…

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, Jan. 30, 1861 

* Abraham Lincoln about to change America

A great issue shortly before the outbreak of war with pg. 4 including: "...declare that Mr. Lincoln has listened to the Compromisers & is inclined to sacrifice the principles of the Chicago platform...We have the best authority for saying that Mr. Lincoln is opposed to all concessions of the sort..." and more on his position (see). Also: "Secession Must Cure Itself" and a pg. 5 item: "Important from…

NEW YORK HERALD, Feb. 25, 1861 

* Plot to assassination Abraham Lincoln

The front page contains various one column heads which include: "The Plot Against Mr. Lincoln's Life" "Developments of a Detective Officer" "The Feeling Among the Republicans" and more (see). A portion of the report includes: "...some persons express their decided belief that the story of a conspiracy to assassinate the President elect is all gammon and moonshine..." with more (see).
Eight pages, small piece torn…

NEW YORK HERALD, Oct. 7, 1861  The front page is dominated by a very large & very detailed Civil War map headed: "THE SEAT OF WAR IN WESTERN VIRGINIA". Plus many front page column heads on the war: "THE REBELLION" "Interview Between Generals McClellan & Banks" "Important News from the Cherokee Nation" "The Scene of War in Western Virginia" "Reported Battle Between Lee and Rosecrans" "The Victory Over the Rebel Chapman" & much more.
Eight pages, light toning, nice condition.

Background: In…

NEW YORK ILLUSTRATED NEWS, July 15, 1861  Formatted much like the popular Harper's Weekly, but a much scarcer title.
The full front page shows: "Capture of a Picket After Heroically Defending Himself Against About 50 Assailants, near Cloud's Mill, Virginia". Other prints include a dramatic double page centerfold: "Indian Massacre on the Frontier. Descent On a Settler's Cabin In Arizona" (small binding holes at the fold); "Arsenal at St. Louis" "The Rebel Major-Gen era Robert E. Lee, of…

THE WILMINGTON DAILY HERALD, North Carolina, Jan. 31, 1861 

* Future Confederate port city 
* American Civil War close 

 From this Southern port city from shortly before the outbreak of the Civil War. This was the last Confederate port city to fall to the Yankees when it did so in February, 1865, completing its blockage of the Atlantic coast.
Items include: "Important Army Intelligence" regarding General Scott's order to officers on leave of absence; "The Convention at Washington" beginning: "The…

DAVENPORT DAILY GAZETTE, Iowa, Dec. 17, 1861

* Rare Civil War era publication
* Negro insurrection in the South

This rare title from the Midwestern United States has some Civil War reporting and several interesting advertisements of the day.
This issue measures 25 x 18 inches, not fragile as newsprint from this era was made of cotton and linen rags, allowing them to remain very pliable and easy to handle. Complete in 4 pages, a little light toning at the margins, nice condition.

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY DEMOCRAT, Sunbury, Pennsylvania, May 31, 1861  

* American Civil War era 

Much front page reporting on the Civil War including: "Death of Col. Ellsworth" "News From Baltimore" "The Reported Battle" "Fugitives Contraband of War" with much text. More reporting inside as well.
Four pages, wear at the margins with some loss, dirtiness and foxing, various archival mends.

NEW YORK SEMI-WEEKLY TRIBUNE, March 22, 1861  

* History about to be made
* Focus on Fort Sumter 

Much of the front page is taken up with reports concerning the coming Civil War, with first column heads: "THE SOUTHERN FORTS" "Sumter Not Yet Evacuated" "Formidable Works Behind the Fort" and also: "The Pro-Slavery Rebellion".
Page 2 begins with: "The Pro-Slavery Rebellion" "From South Carolina" "The Evacuation of Sumter" and more.
Eight pages, never bound nor trimmed so it folds out to a single…

NEW YORK WEEKLY TRIBUNE, June 1, 1861  The front page has a one column map headed: "Seat of War In Northern Virginia" which also shows portions of Pennsylvania, Maryland and Ohio.
The front page also features a lengthy article headed: "A Sketch of Major-General Butler" as well as: "The Rebel Forces In Charleston--Fort Sumter". Many Civil War reports and one column heads on the inside pages.
Eight pages, never bound nor trimmed so it folds out to one large sheet, light damp stain to a corner,…

NEW YORK HERALD, Sept. 12, 1861  

* Rare full front page map
* Battle of Carnifex Ferry

The entire front page is taken up with a huge and very detailed map headed: "THE NATIONAL BATTLE GROUND. The Armies of the Potomac--Encampments of Over 300,000 Armed Men--Scene of the Coming Decisive Conflict" which shows from Washington, D.C. & Alexandria, northwest to Buckeystown, Point of Rocks, and Leesburg, with the Bull Run battlefield to the southwest.
Very rare to find an entire front page taken up with…

NEW YORK HERALD, April 28, 1861  

* Near the start of the Civil War
* Maryland & Pennsylvania map
* Troops forming for battle 

The front page features a nice map titled: "THE SEAT OF WAR" showing portions of Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware, and Virginia.
Among the one column headlines on the Civil War are: "THE WAR" "Highly Important News from Washington" "The Capital Garrisoned by Eighteen Thousand Northern Troops" "The City Considered Safe from Attack" "More Troops Pouring In"…

NEW YORK HERALD, Oct. 11, 1861  

 * Detailed battle of Bull Run map (official, after the fact)

The front page features a great & very detailed map headed: "Very Curious Rebel Semi-Official Pictorial View of the Battle of Bull Run".
Among the many first column heads are: "THE REBELLION" "The Advanced Positions of the Union Army of the Potomac" "Disinclination of the Rebels for Battle" "Particulars of the Recent Engagement at Hatteras Inlet" "Military Operations in Western Virginia" "Another Defeat…

NEW YORK HERALD, April 27, 1861  Among the front page column heads on the beginning weeks of the Civil War: "THE WAR" "Highly Important from the Confederate States" "Fort Pickens Reinforced" "General Bragg Despairs of its Capture" "Jeff. Davis Preparing to Attack Washington" "Reported Stampede of Negroes in Maryland" and much more, taking over half of the first column.
Eight pages, nice condion.

JUTRZENKA, Warsaw, Poland, July 19, 1861 A rare & early Jewish newspaper from Poland, the title translates to "Morning Star". This rare newspaper lasted only three years, and reflects the trends among the Jewish intelligentsia at that time. Measures 8-1/4 by 10-1/2 inches, has 6 pages, in nice condition.

Background: "Jutrzenka" was a Polish-language weekly newspaper published in Warsaw from 1861 to 1863, founded by the Jewish educator and writer Daniel Neufeld. Its title, meaning "Morning…

NEW YORK HERALD, Aug. 6, 1861  Among the front page column headlines on the Civil War: "THE REBELLION" "Movement of Troops Into Virginia" " The Soldiers Eager for Active Service" "The Pay of the Army and Navy Increased by Congress" "Important News From Missouri" "Proclamation Of Gov. Gamble" "The Northern Counties Virtually Placed Under Martial Law" and more.
Eight pages, archival mend at the top of the first leaf, a small ad clipped from the back leaf, otherwise nice.

NEW YORK HERALD, Sept. 18, 1861  

* Battle of Carnifex Ferry WV
* St. Joseph MO Missouri

Among the front page column heads on the Civil War: "THE REBELLION" "Condition of Affairs Along the Hostile Lines in Virginia" "Important From Missouri" "Occupation of St. Joseph by Union Troops" "Details of Gen. Rosecrans' Victory at Carnifex Ferry" "Reported Evacuation of Columbus, Ky. by the Rebels" "Union Troops in Possession of St. Joseph" and more.
Eight pages, minor binding slits at the blank spine,…

NEW YORK HERALD, July 15, 1861  

* Battle of Bull Run nears
* Battle of Rich Mountain

Among the lengthy stack of front page column heads on the Civil War: "THE REBELLION" "Unwonted Activity in the War Dept." "The Effect of Gen. McClellan's Victory at Rich Mountain" "Surrender of Col. Pegram with 600 Rebels" "The Rebel Lss About 150" "The Beginning of the End" "Rebel Troops Anxious to Return to Their Allegiance to the Union" "News From Fortress Monroe" "The Battle at Rich Mountain" "General…

NEW YORK TIMES, June 20, 1861  

* Battle of Boonville, Missouri

Among the front page column heads on the Civil War: "HIGHLY IMPORTANT NEWS" "The Particulars of the Battle of Booneville, Mo." "Utter Rout of the Rebel Forces" "Important From Western Virginia" "Another Fight At Phillippa Expected" "Important From Missouri" "Unsuccessful Attempt of the Rebels to Cross the Potomac" and more.
Eight pages, good condition.

Background: The 1861 Battle of Boonville, Missouri, carries immense historical…

NEW YORK TIMES, July 4, 1861  Among the first column heads on the Civil War are: "The Engagement Near Martinsburgh" "Official Report of Maj.-Gen. Patterson" "10,000 Rebels Routed" "Preparations for the Advance Towards Manassas Junction" "Gen. Fremont to Command the Great Western Movement' & more.
Eight pages, minor rubbing at the central fold, mostly good condition.

Background: This historic eight-page Independence Day edition of The New York Times from July 4, 1861, serves as a remarkable time…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, July 17, 1861  The front page has great coverage on the days just before the historic Battle of Bull Run, with first column heads: "THE GREAT REBELLION" Advance of the Grand Army under Gen. McDowell" "The Rebels at Fairfax & Manassas to be Overwhelmed" "Full Details of the Battle of Cartrick's Ford" "Measures for the Suppression of Southern Piracy" and more. War coverage continues inside as well.
Eight pages, nice condition.

Background: This July 17, 1861 issue of The New…

NEW YORK TIMES, July 19, 1861 

* Battle of Bull Run prelude
* Manassas VA Virginia

The front page has some great column heads on the Civil War including some just preceding the historic Battle of Bull Run: "THE INSURRECTION" "Progress Of The Grande Army" "Details of the Movements of the National Troops" "Scenes at Fairfax Court-House" "Important Rumor from Pensacola" "Insurgents Landing at Sewell's Point" "Skirmishing in Missouri" "Movements of the Rebels" "The Advance on Fairfax' "A Secession…

NEW YORK HERALD, Nov. 17, 1861  

* Civil War era "Trent Affair"
* James Mason & John Slidell

Among front page column heads on the Civil War are: "HIGHLY IMPORTANT NEWS" "Arrest of Messrs. Slidell and Mason, the Rebel Commissioners to Europe" "NEWS FROM THE SOUTH" "Stampede of the Rebels in Savannah" "The Union Men of Tennessee Reported in Possession of Bristol" and more. 
 On November 8, the Yankees captured two Confederate envoys aboard the British mail ship, the Trent. Great Britain accused the…

THE WORLD, New York, Oct. 11, 1861  Among the front page column heads on the Civil War: "THE SOUTHERN REBELLION" "Another Federal Advance" "No Rebel Force Within Six Miles of Our Lines" "The Enemy Indrenched at Big Sewell" "3,000 Rebels Leave Kentucky for the Southern Coast" "Polk at Columbus With 30,000 Troops" "Price Fleeing from Fremont" and more.
Eight pages, never bound nor trimmed, two creases, various foxing, some margin wear.

Background: This October 11, 1861 issue of The World serves as…

THE WORLD, New York, March 8, 1861  

* Texas secession from the Union
* Surrender of Federal fort outposts 

Page 4 has pre-war column heads: "State Of The Nation" "Seizure of Forts In Texas" "Captain Bill Refuses to Surrender" "The Inaugural Is Peace" "Appointments by the New Administration" & more.
Eight pages, never bound nor trimmed, various wear at the two folds & margins, some breaks at the fold juncture.

Background: In March 1861, following Texas's secession from the Union and Major General…

THE WORLD, New York, March 12, 1861  The back page has a brief article with a crude design of: "The Southern Flag" with a few details. 
Page 4 has pre-war column heads: "State Of The Nation" "Fort Sumter To Be Evacuated" "A Permanent Constitution Adopted by the Southern Confederacy" and more.
Eight pages, never bound nor trimmed, various wear at the two folds & margins, a small hole in the dateline.

THE WORLD, New York, April 18, 1861 

* Beginning of the Civil War
* Post Fort Sumter attack
* Troops forming

 Page 4 has nice column heads on the beginning events of the Civil War: "SOUTHERN REBELLION" "Jeff. Davis Calls For Privateers" "The Confederate Loan" "The North Aroused" "Volunteers Pouring Down From Maine to Kansas" "4,000 Volunteers at Washington" "The Confederacy to Call for 150,000 Men" with the full text of the Proclamation signed in type: Jefferson Davis.
The back page has more…

THE CRISIS, Columbus, Ohio, Oct. 17, 1861  This was an anti-war newspaper that insisted slavery should not be abolished, so consequently much content has an anti-North bias.

THE CRISIS, Columbus, Ohio, Oct. 10, 1861  This was an anti-war newspaper that insisted slavery should not be abolished, so consequently much content has an anti-North bias.Among the articles are: "The Slaves as a Military Element in the South" "The Battle at Springfield, Mo." "Southern Intelligence--The Rebel Army of the Potomac" and much more. Over 2 columns are concerning the controversy between Abraham Lincoln and General Fremont, including a letter from Fremont and his wife and a letter…

THE CRISIS, Columbus, Ohio, June 27, 1861  This was an anti-war newspaper that insisted slavery should not be abolished, so consequently, much content has an anti-North bias.
Articles within include: "The Rebellion & the Abolition of Slavery", a lengthy: "Letter from Kentucky to Abraham Lincoln..." "From the Cherokee Nation" "The Reign of Terror" is critical of Lincoln; and more.
Eight pages, nice condition.

Described as "The Hottest Rebel Sheet to be found in the North or the South", this…

THE CRISIS, Columbus, Ohio, March 21, 1861  This was an anti-war newspaper that insisted slavery should not be abolished, so consequently much content has an anti-North bias.

THE LIBERATOR, Boston, May 10, 1861  This is the famous anti-slavery newspaper by famed abolitionist publisher William Lloyd Garrison. The masthead features two engravings, one of a slave auction and the other showing slaves being emancipated.
Among the articles: "What Of The Slaves?" "Treason & Disunion Avowed" "Fugitive Slaves" "The Relation of the Anti-Slavery Cause to the War" "Letter On The War" "The Results of the Conflict" "The Contented Slaves" "Colored Men & The War" with more.
Four…

THE CHARLESTON MERCURY, South Carolina, April 13, 1861  

* Bombardment of Fort Sumter, Charleston Harbor
* Best publication to be had ? - very rare as such

When it comes to collecting historic events it is desirable to find a newspaper printed as close to the place or event as possible. Here is a Charleston newspaper reporting the opening battle of the Civil War at Fort Sumter. They don't get much better.
The top of a front page column has heads: "Bombardment of FORT SUMTER!" "Splendid Pyrotechnic…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, March 6, 1861 

* President Abraham Lincoln
* 2 days after inauguration
* Cabinet announcements

Page 3 has s small yet notable report headed: "Cabinet Appointments" beginning: "We understand that the following nominations were yesterday made by the President and forthwith confirmed by the Senate:..." and what followed is the list of appointments, beginning with: "William H. Seward, Secretary of State...".
Under "Mr. Buchanan" is a report about the…

LOUISVILLE DAILY COURIER, Kentucky, Sept. 7, 1861 

* Rare pro-Confederate title
* 1st year of the Civil War

 Louisville is difficult to categorize as Union or Confederate during the Civil War as, depending on the time, there were factions within the city supporting both. To placate both sides the two leading newspapers took their stands: the "Courier" was very much pro-Confederate & the "Journal" was more pro-Union. This is the pro-Confederate newspaper.
The front page has: "Hart…

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, Jan. 11, 1861  

* Start of the Civil War ?
* Star of the West attacked

From just 4 months before the outbreak of the Civil War, it is not surprising that much content within related to the brewing troubles.
Some column heads include: "Highly Important From Charleston" "The Firing Into the Star of the West" "She is Driven Out of the Harbor" "Patriotic Letter From Maj. Anderson" "War Upon the United States" "Seizure of Forts In Louisiana" "Departure of State Troops"…

NEW YORK TIMES, Jan. 30, 1861  

* Abraham Lincoln about to change America

Near the top of the front page is: "Important From Springfield" "The Position Of the President Elect" noting in part: "...stating that Mr. Lincoln had written to his Congressional friends recommending conciliatory measures...country may rest assured that in Abraham Lincoln they have a Republican President...Mr. Lincoln is not committed to the Border State Compromise, nor to any other..." with more.
Page 4 has:…

NEW YORK HERALD, Jan. 6, 1861 

* President-elect Abraham Lincoln
* Creating his cabinet at Springfield

The front page has some reports concerning the troubles in the South which would soon lead to the Civil War.
Page 4 has: "Abe Lincoln, the Rail Splitter, as a Cabinet Maker" which begins: "Honest Old Abe Lincoln, whose achievements as a splitter of rail now form part of the history of the country, has latterly been engaged in a new line of business..." with much more, taking over a…

NEW YORK HERALD, Jan. 15, 1861  

* Abraham Lincoln about to change America
* Rise of Southern tensions w/ secession talks

The front page has a nice stack of column heads on the coming Civil War including: "THE REVOLUTION" "Arrival of Messengers from South Carolina & Fort Sumter at Washington" "The Fort Not to be Reinforced" "The Sale of Arms to Secessionists Declared Treasonable" "The Crisis Regarded as a Divine Judgment" and more.
Page 5 has most of a column taken up with: "The…

THE CRISIS, Columbus, Ohio, Jan. 31, 1861 

* Rare pro Confederate publication
* Pre City War Southern tensions
* The volume 1 - number 1 issue

This is the very first issue--volume 1 number 1--of what was described as "The Hottest Rebel Sheet to be found in the North or the South".
This newspaper opposed the war and attracted the hatred of the Republicans and the Lincoln administration. It insisted that slavery could not be prohibited by law. So obnoxious was this paper to Unionists…

NEW YORK TIMES, Feb. 19, 1861  

* Jefferson Davis inauguration
* Confederate President
* Abraham Lincoln inauguration train

The front page has: "The Incoming Administration" "Progress of the President Elect Toward Washington" "The Trip From Buffalo to Albany" with the reporting taking close to half of the page with subheads: "Mr. Lincoln's Speech at Utica" "Reception and Speech at Albany" "Mr. Lincoln's Speech at Rochester" "The Mayor's Address - Mr. Lincoln's Reply" and even more carrying over to…

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, April 30, 1861

* Virginia secession - joins Confederacy

 Pages 4 and 5 have a wealth of reporting on the ongoing secession of the states and the work towards that end by several.
A few reports include: "Preparing For an Election" which begins: "The people of Virginia are to vote, some four weeks hence, on the momentous issue of secession or union..."; "Arming The Negroes" "The War For The Union" "85,000 More Troops Called For" "Reported  Armistice" "The Terms of…

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, Feb. 18, 1861  

* Grace Bedell encourages him to grow a beard
* President-elect Abraham Lincoln en-route 

Over half of page 5 is taken up with fine and detailed coverage of Lincoln's continued trip from his home in Illinois to Washington, D.C.
The heads include: "THE PRESENT ELECT EN ROUTE" "Incidents and Casualties" 'Old Abe Kissed by a Pretty Girl" "His Reception at Buffalo" "Accident to Major Hunter" "The Speech in Buffalo".
The best content is the famous story…

THE CRISIS, Columbus, Ohio, Nov. 28, 1861  This was an anti-war newspaper that insisted slavery should not be abolished, so consequently much content has an anti-North bias.

THE CRISIS, Columbus, Ohio, Nov. 7, 1861  

* Pro Confederate title
* Battle of Ball's Bluff

This was an anti-war newspaper that insisted slavery should not be abolished, so consequently much content has an anti-North bias.

THE CRISIS, Columbus, Ohio, Oct. 24, 1861  This was an anti-war newspaper that insisted slavery should not be abolished, so consequently much content has an anti-North bias.