[CALIFORNIA GOLD RUSH]. Official report of the discovery of gold in California featured in December 1848 broadsheet.

Printed broadsheet, 2pp., 25 x 18 1/2 in.

A broadsheet supplement “extra” to The State Banner (Bennington, VT) dated 2 December 1848, containing James K. Polk's State of the Union address, delivered days earlier, in which he announces the discovery of gold in California.

Polk states:

"The accounts of the abundance of gold in that territory are of such an extraordinary character as would scarcely command belief were they not corroborated by the authentic reports of officers in the public service…The explorations already made warrant the belief that the supply is very large and that gold is found at various places in an extensive district of country."

Accompanied by 2 December 1848 issue of The State Banner with which the broadsheet was issued. 4pp., folio, 22 3/4 x 16 in.

Broadsheet: Folds, chipping and short tears to edges.

The State Banner 4pp. issue: Folds, with hole near center of front page. Toning near folds. Edge wear.

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Katie Horstman

VP, Head of Department, American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography

[email protected]513.666.4958

Ms. Horstman has spent over a decade specializing in historic photography and Americana at auction. During her tenure, she has overseen several notable single owner auctions, including property from the inventory of celebrated Americana and antique arms expert Norm Flayderman. During her time with the firm, she has maintained an active membership in the Daguerreian Society. Ms. Horstman holds an MA in Art History from the University of Cincinnati and a BA in Art History from The Ohio State University.

American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography

[CALIFORNIA GOLD RUSH]. Official report of the discovery of gold in California featured in December 1848 broadsheet.

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