Historic Newspapers: Search Results
NEW YORK TRIBUNE, April 7, 1862
* CSS Manassas ironclad ship
* Interesting ad for P.T. Barnum's American Museum
War reports are found on pages 4 & 5 with column heads including: "The War For The Union" 'The Abolition of Slavery in the District" "The Confiscation Bill" "The Rebel Blockade Run" "The Latest About the Merrimac" "Rebel Force on the Peninsula" "The Advance Upon Yorktown" and much more.
Page 6 has a print of: "Hollins's Gunboat the 'Manassas' or 'Turtle' " with very descriptive text.…
Item from last month's catalog - #366 - released for May, 2026
P.T. Barnum - "The Mammoth Opera Scheme"...
NEW YORK DAILY TIMES, June 3, 1858
* The African slave trade
* P.T. Barnum's letter to the editor
The front page has an article headed: "The Slave-Trade And The American Flag". See image for text. Page four has an interesting letter to the editor entitled: "The Mammoth Opera Scheme", signed in type by P.T. Barnum.
Other news of the day. Complete in 8 pages, a little spine wear, otherwise very nice condition.
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, March 21, 1868 The prime feature of this issue is the set of full-page images related to the fire at P.T. Barnum's American Museum: 'Burning of Barnum's Museum - the Animals during the Fire,' and the 'Exterior of Barnum's Museum After the Fire'. Related text is present as well.
Full front page shows the 7: 'Portraits of Managers to Conduct the Impeachment of President Johnson'. Half page: 'The Last Speech of Impeachment - Thaddeus Stevens Closing the Debate in the…
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, February 18, 1882 Nice halfpg: "The Billiard Match Between Slosson and Vignaux--Cheering the Victor" with insets of both. Fullpg: "Barnum's Show in Winter Quarters" includes 9 scenes, including one of "P.T. Barnum".
Nice fullpg: "Sleighing in Central Park, New York City" and a great fullpg: "Under The Towers" shows homes under the towers of the Brooklyn Bridge, still under construction. Small prints of "Stephen A. Walker" and "Alexander L. Holley" & "Hon. Charles…
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, 1853
* Published by P. T. Barnum
A lot of six different issues of this scarce title, all from the first 6 months of its existence.
P.T. Barnum was the co-owner of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly". These latter two ultimately becoming immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last but 48 issues.
Each issue has various prints of event, scenes, and other…
Published by P.T. Barnum...
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, June 18, 1853 P.T. Barnum was the co-owner (see photos) of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly". This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues.
The text on the front page is: "The Pacific Railroad" and the print shows: "Thomas H. Benton". Inside has a nearly halfpg; "The Patent Office, Washington" and "Departure of the Arctic Expedition..." & "Scene On the Grand Canal,…
* Circus King Phineas T. Barnum Retires...
Other
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, March 29, 1873 Full ftpg. political cartoon by Nast: "The Game of Fox and Geese; or Legal Trial of the Period". Full page "Mardi Gras in New Orleans--Grand Tableau of the 'Mistick Krewe' " with accompanying article. Nice Thomas Nast doublepage centerfold: "The Meeting of Nast and Watterson in Central Jersey". Two prints re: "St. Patrick's Day" show a definite bias against the Irish.
Full page advertisement for P.T. Barnum's "Great Traveling World's Fair for the…
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Catharine Hayes... the "Madonna" of the 1800's...
SUNDAY TIMES, September 28, 1851 In addition to the phenomenal masthead, page 3 has an ad for "Barnum's American Museum". Another ad is for a performance by Catherine Hayes at Tripler Hall, on her maiden tour of the United States. Later, in 1852 and 1853, she would be sponsored by P.T. Barnum. The Daily Express, London, has said: "Hayes was the 'Madonna' of her day; she was the 19th-century operatic equivalent of the world's most famous pop star." Other news of the day and period advertising…
NEW YORK TRIBUNE, April 25, 1856 (due to printing error the year is missing on page 1 but appears at the top of pages 2-8)
* Bleeding Kansas
* Missouri border invasion
* War on slavery
* P.T. Barnum
Page 5 has over a column of reporting concerning the slavery vs. anti-slavery factions in Kansas as they work towards statehood.
The article is headed: "The Prospects Of Kansas" and offers much detail on current events there.
Bleeding Kansas describes the period of repeated outbreaks of…
(2) BOSTON EVENING TRANSCRIPT, November 21 & 26, 1887 The front page of the issue from the 21st has,"Fire Record," which provides an account of the devastating fire in Bridgeport, Connecticut at the winter quarters of P.T. Barnum's "Greatest Show On Earth." The issue of the 26th includes a follow-up report on page 1 which mentions the death of the famed rhinoceros, along with a more detailed account of the fire on page 5. See images for details. Great to have these reports from a major city…
Item from our most recent catalog - #367 - released for June, 2026
(Added to the June, 2026 catalog (#367) after its initial release - only available on-line.)
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, 1853 Phineas T. Barnum was the co-owner (see photos) of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly" which would become immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues, or less than one year.
There are various prints within this 16 page issue, as the format is very much like Leslie's and Harper's would be. The masthead features a nice engraving of New York…
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, 1853 Phineas T. Barnum was the co-owner (see photos) of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly" which would become immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues, or less than one year.
There are various prints within this 16 page issue, as the format is very much like Leslie's and Harper's would be. The masthead features a nice engraving of New York…
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, May 21, 1853 Phineas T. Barnum was the co-owner of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly", the latter two becoming immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues, or less than one year.
Among the prints are: "Destruction of the Steamer Ocean Wave on Lake Ontario" "View On the Chenango River" "Wall Street Ferry Buildings" "Floral Ball, Philadelphia"…
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, May 21, 1853 Phineas T. Barnum was the co-owner of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly", the latter two becoming immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues, or less than one year.
Among the prints are: "Destruction of the Steamer Ocean Wave on Lake Ontario" "View On the Chenango River" "Wall Street Ferry Buildings" "Floral Ball, Philadelphia"…
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, May 21, 1853 Phineas T. Barnum was the co-owner of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly", the latter two becoming immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues, or less than one year.
Among the prints are: "Destruction of the Steamer Ocean Wave on Lake Ontario" "View On the Chenango River" "Wall Street Ferry Buildings" "Floral Ball, Philadelphia"…
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, Jan. 22, 1853
* Published by P. T. Barnum
Among the prints are: "Captain Ericsson Explaining His Invention to the Editors of New York" "Floating Mortar" "Astor Place Opera House" "Ball of the New York Fire Department..." "The Seals of Jerusalem" a nice town view of: "Concord, New Hampshire with 5 smaller prints including "The Residence of General Pierce"
Sixteen pages, various foxing, archival repair inside, generally good.
Phineas T. Barnum was the…
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, Jan. 22, 1853
* Published by P. T. Barnum
Among the prints are: "Captain Ericsson Explaining His Invention to the Editors of New York" "Floating Mortar" "Astor Place Opera House" "Ball of the New York Fire Department..." "The Seals of Jerusalem" a nice town view of: "Concord, New Hampshire with 5 smaller prints including "The Residence of General Pierce"
Sixteen pages, minor foxing, generally good.
Phineas T. Barnum was the co-owner (see photos) of this…
* P. T. Barnum baby show
* Pre civil war era
Front page has: Barnum's Baby Show Third Day--Another Day--Statistics of the Show--Barnum Excited--A Full House Again--Who Pinches the Babies?--The Prize Children Shown Up & more. Other news of the day includes: "Marine Affairs" "Cricket" "Police Intelligence" and much more.
Lite dampstain and some lite foxing at the bottom extending in this report, otherwise in good condition. 8 pages.
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, Feb. 12, 1853 Phineas T. Barnum was the co-owner of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly", the latter two becoming immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues, or less than one year.
Among the prints are: "Capt. Ericsson Explaining His Invention to the Editors of New York" "A New Implement of Destruction" ha much text and a print of the: "Floating…
INDEPENDENT PRESS, Lawrenceburgh, Indiana, Sept. 13, 1854 On the ftpg. under Auto-Biography Of Barnum is an excerpt from an early chapter about his first visit to New York. Takes two columns. Lite foxing.
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, Feb. 12, 1853 Phineas T. Barnum was the co-owner of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly", the latter two becoming immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues, or less than one year.
Among the prints are: "Capt. Ericsson Explaining His Invention to the Editor4s of New York" "Ball of the New York Fire Dept. at the Astor Place Opera House" "Floating…
P.T. Barnum - improving public morals...
ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Missouri, August 24, 1879
*James Dobbins & Michael Burns duel
* P. T. Barnum - trying to improve public morals
This uncommon Midwestern title has news of the day with many interesting advertisements. The front page has an article headed: "A DUEL TO THE DEATH" "The Principals Farmers, and Both Killed" "One of the Most Desperate Affairs on Record" and more. (see) See images for text here.
Page 8 has: "P. T. Barnum" "He Unfolds His Last Scheme for Improving…
Published by P.T. Barnum...
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, April 23, 1853 Large front page illustration: "Bull & Bear Fight, New Orleans", plus a related report. Inside page has two small illus: "Girard Bank" and "Girard College, Philadelphia", and a report: "Stephen Girard".
Full page has seven portraits: "The Cabinet Of President Pierce", including Jefferson Davis and more.
A volume I issue (number 17) of this uncommon title, the masthead has a nice harbor scene.
Complete in sixteen pages in very good condition.
Published by P.T. Barnum...
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, Feb. 5, 1853 The front page has an illustration of: "Almeda De Paule, Havana". A halfpg. inside has a view of: "Montpelier, Vermont." and another halfpg. shows: "Crossing The Ice, On The Hudson River, At Albany".
But the prime content in this issue is the quarter page print captioned: "Miner Of California Prospecting." (see) which is a rare print of the California gold rush. There is related text as well.
Sixteen pages, even toning, scattered foxing.
ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT, Dec. 8, 1883 The back page has: "Modocs On A Peace Footing" "Bogus Charley--Steamboat Frank--Princess Mary--Shacknasty Jim--Scarface Charley, and others" "Savages Converted Into Agriculturists..." with more on the Modoc Indians in the Idaho Territory, all taking nearly 2 1/2 columns.
Also on the bkpg: "Barnum's White Elephant" "At Last He Buys One from King Theebaw for $200,000" with much on this, taking one-third of a column. An inside page also has much on…
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, April 18, 1891 Fullpg: 'Interior of the 'Monument' which commemorates the Great Fire in London'. Very nice doublepage centerfold: 'Bird's-eye View of the Columbian Exposition', Chicago'. A one-eighth pg. illus. of 'Phineas T. Barnum' with an article on him, who recently died (see inset).
Complete in sixteen pages.
THE INDIANAPOLIS SENTINEL, September 9, 1875
* P.T. Phineas Barnum ad
Page 5 has a nice & somewhat large illustrated advertisement for: "The Only Hippodrome in America Any Ten Shows On This Continent! "P.T. BARNUM'S Great Roman Hippodrome" with further details. The ad includes a large illustration of P. T. Barnum (see).
Eight pages, a few binding slits along the spine, generally very nice.
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, March 19, 1853 P.T. Barnum was the co-owner of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly". These latter two ultimately becoming immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last but 48 issues.
Although an illustrated newspaper, perhaps the most notable report is an inconspicuous news item which may well be the earliest mention of the sport of skiing in an American publication.
…
THE CLEVELAND LEADER, Cleveland, Ohio, September 25, 1875
* Bellefontaine, Ohio lynching
* P.T. Phineas Barnum ad
The front page has one column headings that include: "The Hellish Crime Near Bellefontaine" "Horrible Confession of the Miscreant's Wife" "Schell Dragged from the Jail and Lynched" See image for text here.
The back page has a nice & somewhat large illustrated advertisement for: "Barnum - The Only Hippodrome in America! Any Ten Shows On This Continent! "P.T. BARNUM'S Great…
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, Feb. 26, 1853
* Published by P. T. Barnum
P.T. Barnum was the co-owner (see photos) of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly" these latter two ultimately becoming immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues.
The ftpg. has a print of: "Houdon's Statue of Washington...". Many prints inside including: "Dominican Iron Light House", various items…
* Clarification Orders following General Granger's General Order #3
* P.T. Barnum Circus Museum fire
The front page features a supplemental order from General Granger addressing the immediate social upheaval caused by General Order No. 3. While his initial proclamation declared all enslaved persons in the region free, the sudden emancipation of thousands created a humanitarian crisis. This follow-up order attempted to mitigate widespread displacement and
Item from our most recent catalog - #367 - released for June, 2026
(Added to the June, 2026 catalog (#367) after its initial release - only available on-line.)
NEW YORK TRIBUNE, Feb. 28, 1876
* Evangelist Dwight L. Moody's sermon
* Preaches at P.T. Barnum's Hippodrome
The top of page 2 has a one column heading: "TURNING MEN TO CHRIST" with subhead. Text takes up almost 2 full columns.
Other news of the day. Complete with all 8 pages, very minor spine wear, nice condition.
Background: The New York City Hippodrome Campaign of 1876 stands as a pivotal moment in American religious history, marking the definitive transition of evangelism from rural "tent…
NEW YORK TRIBUNE, Feb. 12, 1876
* Evangelist Dwight L. Moody's sermon
* Preaches at P.T. Barnum's Hippodrome
The top of the 1st column of the front page has a one column heading: "THE REVIVAL'S PROGRESS" with subhead. Text takes up about 2 1/2 columns.
Other news of the day. Complete with all 8 pages, minor spine wear, nice condition.
Background: The New York City Hippodrome Campaign of 1876 stands as a pivotal moment in American religious history, marking the definitive transition of evangelism…
NEW YORK HERALD, August 22, 1812
* Scudder's American Museum
* Leatherback sea turtle display
A back page notice for the: "Mammoth Turtle In Scudder's American Museum" takes nearly half a column and offers many details about this enormous creature. Includes a rather large woodcut of the turtle's head as well.
Complete with all 4 pages, nice condition.
Background: This August 22, 1812, issue of the New York Herald captures a fascinating intersection of early American pop culture and wartime…
THE UNION DEMOCRAT, Manchester, New Hampshire, Sept. 7, 1852
* General Tom Thumb - dwarf
* P.T. Barnum circus attraction
The front page has: "Barnum and Tom Thumb" which includes a letter from Bridgeport, Ct., noting in part: "Barnum's chief sources of income...are his Museum...among his incidental expenses are $200 a week or $10,400 a year for Tom Thumb..." with more on the wealth of Tom Thumb (see).
Page 2 has a notice supporting "For President, Franklin Pierce...". Four pages, very nice…
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, March 19, 1853 P.T. Barnum was the co-owner of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly". These latter two ultimately becoming immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last but 48 issues.
Although an illustrated newspaper, perhaps the most notable report is an inconspicuous news item which may well be the earliest mention of the sport of skiing in an American publication.
…
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, Feb. 26, 1853 P.T. Barnum was the co-owner of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly" these latter two ultimately becoming immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues.
The ftpg. has a print of: "Houdon's Statue of Washington...". Many prints inside include: "Dominican Iron Light House", various items owned by George Washington, "Departure of…
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, March 19, 1853 P.T. Barnum was the co-owner of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly". These latter two ultimately becoming immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last but 48 issues.
Although an illustrated newspaper, perhaps the most notable report is an inconspicuous news item which may well be the earliest mention of the sport of skiing in an American publication.
…
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, March 19, 1853 P.T. Barnum was the co-owner of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly". These latter two ultimately becoming immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last but 48 issues.
Although an illustrated newspaper, perhaps the most notable report is an inconspicuous news item which may well be the earliest mention of the sport of skiing in an American publication.
…
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, July 17, 1880 Nice full ftpg. Nast political cartoon: "Baby Politics". Dramatic fullpg. showing 5 scenes of: "The Burning of the 'Seawanhaka' ". Nice full page illus. of: "Barnum's New Museum, Madison Square" includes an inset illus. of "P.T. Barnum". Very nice doublepage centerfold by A.B. Frost: "A College Regatta" is displayable.
Other news and advertisements of the day are included. Complete in 16 pages.
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, June 18, 1853 P.T. Barnum was the co-owner (see photos) of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly". This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues.
The text on the front page is: "The Pacific Railroad" and the print shows: "Thomas H. Benton". Inside has a nearly halfpg: "The Patent Office, Washington" and "Departure of the Arctic Expedition..." & "Scene On the Grand Canal,…
NEW YORK TRIBUNE, May 13, 1856
* Bleeding Kansas
* Missouri border invasion
* War on slavery
* P.T. Barnum
Pages 4 & 5 contain a wealth of reporting concerning the slavery vs. anti-slavery factions as Kansas worked toward achieving statehood.
Page 4 has a nearly half-column article relating to this, and page 5 has column heads: "IMPORTANT FROM KANSAS" "Gov. Robinson Arrested by Ruffians" "Attempted Assassinations" "Southern Emigrants in Distress" "Effects of Gaming & Drinking". It…
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington D.C., August 22 , 1844
* General Tom Thumb as a young boy
* P.T. Barnum circus attraction
Page 3 has a report about "Tom Thumb At Paris" that reads, in part:
* As it is the intention of Mr. Barnum to visit Paris with Tom Thumb....The General, having worn out Napoleon in England, he will there, in polite deference to French prejudice, appear as the Duke of Wellington....He will...dance a hornpipe... and...sing a comic song....When the General…
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, Jan. 1, 1853 This is the very first issue of what would become a short-lived publication which had "P.T. Barnum, Special Partner" involved in its publication, as noted on one of the back pages.
This is one of the earliest illustrated periodicals in the United States, preceding both Leslie's Illustrated and Harper's Weekly. The format would be copied by these two dynamos of 19th century publishing, with prints within including "Destruction of Chickering's Great…
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, June 4, 1853 Formatted much like Harper's Weekly, but published 4 years previous to the more famous title. P.T. Barnum was a "Special Partner" in this publication as noted on one of the back pages.
The front page has a print of: "Bronze Statue of De Witt Clinton--Monument Exhibiting in the Park". Other prints within include a map & article on: "The Disputed Boundary Between the United States & Mexico" "Foundation Excavations for the Government Steam Battery at…
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, Oct. 15, 1853 Formatted much like Harper's Weekly, but published 4 years previous to the more famous title. P.T. Barnum was a "Special Partner" in this publication as noted on one of the back pages.
The front page has a print of: "Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Jerusalem".
Among prints within are: "Imperial Pawnbroker's Shop, Paris" "The Column of Vendome, Paris". "Sketches In Mexico" include: "The Great Cathedral & plaza, City of Mexico" "Village of Arispe". "New…
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, Nov. 26, 1853 Formatted much like Harper's Weekly, but published 4 years previous to the more famous title. P.T. Barnum was a "Special Partner" in this publication as noted on one of the back pages.
The front page has a print of the: "Desperate Naval Engagement Between the Bon Homme Richard and Serapis".
Among prints within are: "View In Dublin, Ireland" "Former Appearance of Penn's House, Letitia Court, Philadelphia" "Bridge of Cobosac, Over the Dordogne,…
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, March 5, 1853 Formatted much like Harper's Weekly, but published 4 years previous to the more famous title. P.T. Barnum was a "Special Partner" in this publication as noted on one of the back pages.
Front page shows: "New Clipper Ship, Empress of the Sea'. Prints inside include: "Portrait of Sir John Franklin--Arctic Exploring Expedition" "The Emperor Louis Napoleon" "U.S. Steamer Powhatan (Japan Expedition) at Anchor" "Marriage Ceremony of Louis Napoleon at the…
ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, April 9, 1853 Formatted much like Harper's Weekly, but published 4 years previous to the more famous title. P.T. Barnum was a "Special Partner" in this publication as noted on one of the back pages.
Prints within include: "The Gardener Trial: Scene in the Courtroom, Washington"; 3 prints showing: "Illustrations of the Shad Fishery" "Destruction of the American Clipper Ship Golden Light" "River Side, New Jersey - The Residence of Bishop Diane" "M. Vanderbilt's New…
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