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First transcontinental excursion from coast to coast...



Item # 615312 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 used to publish 12 issues of the "Trans-Continental" newspaper, each at a different point along the round-trip journey.
By what is read in these twelve issues it was a glorious affair enjoyed by all, amid the splendor of the finest mode of living ever constructed on wheels. For their enjoyment, the passengers were lavished with the finest food, surrounded by a setting which few of the finest mansions constructed could rival. Sights of the new West as well as extraneous news & anecdotes of the day were recorded in the pages of this newspaper, witnessed by the passengers continually in awe of the splendor of the prairies, magnificence of the Rockies and the warmth & hospitality of the people they met along the way.
The "Trans-Continental" lasted but 42 days and twelve issues, six printed on the westward journey & six printed on the return to the east coast. What is unique is that each issue not only carries a different date but a different city of publication.  Exceedingly few genuine issues of the "Trans-Continental" remain. This reprint series of the entire twelve issue set is exactly as they appeared in their original form. Bound with a tan cover & measuring 7 by 9 3/4 inches, 4 pages per issue for a total of 48 pages. In excellent condition.

Category: The Old West