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The earliest newspaper from Illinois we have offered...
The earliest newspaper from Illinois we have offered...
Item # 715066
June 05, 1819
EDWARDSVILLE SPECTATOR, Illinois, June 5, 1819
* VERY rare publication
* Madison County, Illinois
This is the earliest newspaper from Illinois we have offered. Not only that, it is eleven years earlier than the previous earliest newspaper from this state. And it is the volume 1, number 2 issue. Keep in mind that Illinois just became a state six months previous.
It is notable that the two volume reference work "History & Bibliography of American Newspapers" by C. Brigham has but seven entries of newspapers which existed in Illinois thru 1820, consuming but 3 of the 1500+ pages.
The content, with news items & ads, is typical of other newspapers of the era.
Complete in 4 pages, archivally rejoined at the spine, minor rubbing just beneath the dateline, very nice condition. A very rare opportunity to purchase an exceedingly early newspaper from Illinois.
AI notes: The Edwardsville Spectator was one of Illinois’s earliest weekly newspapers, published in Edwardsville from 1819 to 1826. Founded by Hooper Warren and George Churchill with support from Territorial Governor Ninian Edwards, the paper played a significant role in shaping early Illinois political discourse, especially through its strong anti-slavery stance during a time when the state debated a potential constitutional convention to legalize slavery. The Spectator faced fierce opposition from pro-slavery advocates, including rival publisher Theophilus Smith, but its influence helped contribute to the rejection of the slavery convention in 1824. Despite its political impact, financial difficulties and missed issues led to its sale in 1825 and eventual closure in 1826. Warren later continued publishing in Springfield with the Sangamo Spectator. The Edwardsville Spectator remains a notable early example of politically engaged journalism in Illinois, laying groundwork for later newspapers and public debate in the region.
Category: Pre-Civil War
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$735.00
