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Rare newspaper printed on board a transcontinental train...
Rare newspaper printed on board a transcontinental train...
Item # 684697
May 31, 1870
TRANS-CONTINENTAL, Summit Sierra Nevadas, California, May 31, 1870
* First Transcontinental Railroad "Overland Route"
* Very first excursion published newspaper (#6)
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 on a train.
This is issue #6, published--as noted in the masthead, and while not at a specific town at the time, they noted their location as "Summit, Sierra Nevadas, California". Each issue recorded the process of the journey with the sights and events along the way. Each issue carries the dateline of a different city: Niagara Falls, Omaha, Cheyenne, Ogden, Utah; Salt Lake City, Utah; Summit Sierra Nevadas, San Francisco, Promontory Point, Utah; Laramie, Wyoming, Grand Island Nebraska, Burlington, Iowa; and Boston.
The front page is mostly taken up with a resolution of thanks to Mr. Pullman for this exceptional train experience, one person noting in part: "...that this excursion, for length, completeness of organization, comfort & convenience, stands alone...". Praise for all aspects of the trip continue on page 2.
Inside has: "The End Crowns the Work" which mentions this being the last issue of this newspaper, reflecting upon all the passengers have experienced over the previous 6 days. This would not be the last: 6 more issues would be printed on the excursion east-bound. Also a report noting: "Early this morning, as we ascended the Sierras, we encountered quite a snow storm, a new incident in our trip...In crossing these mountains we pass 13 tunnels cut through granite rock--the longest 1680 ft--and through about 30 miles of snow sheds..." with more. Another item motes in part: "We have passed 30 saw mills in these mountains, with abundant water power...".
The back page is mostly taken up with a detailed biography of: "Hon. Leland Stanford" with an engraving of him as well. He was president of the Central Pacific Railroad.
Four pages, great masthead, 7 by 9 3/4 inches, very nice, clean condition. A very rare opportunity for a fascinating & rare newspaper.
Included with this issue is a reprint set of all 12 issues published. See our item 615312 for details.
Category: Post-Civil War
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