American Historical Ephemera and Photography

Raleigh Semi-Weekly Standard. Vol. XI, No. 64. Raleigh, NC: Wm. W. Holden, 13 July 1861. 4pp., folio, 25 x 18 1/4 in. This Confederate newspaper published early in the Civil War features a printing of the Ordinance of Secession recently passed by North Carolina to secede from the Union and thus join the Confederacy (page 2). (Folds. Soiling throughout. Wear, including small holes and areas of separation near centerfold. Some tape repairs.)

Monangahela Republican. Vol. X, No. 11. Monangahela City, PA: 18 April 1861. 4pp., folio, 17 1/4 x 24 3/4 in. Disbound (adhesive repair to separation at central fold, red residue to front cover, light chipping, occasional spotting, some toning or light staining to margins and at horizontal folds). Provenance: Library of Stephen Foreman (blindstamp on newspaper, lower right). The newspaper contains prominent, inside page headlines and a detailed account of the Confederate bombardment of Fort Sumter, South Carolina, marking the beginning of the Civil War. The issue also includes a Proclamation dated 15 April 1861 signed in type by President Abraham Lincoln, proclaiming the Southern Confederacy to be in a state of rebellion against the Federal Government and, in essence, declaring war on the Confederacy.

The Liberator. Boston, MA: 19 April 1861.
4pp., folio, 25 x 18 in. An anti-slavery newspaper containing prominent, inside page “stacked” headlines, “Civil War Begun! / Fort Sumter Captured…/ The North United at last…” with detailed coverage of the first engagement of the Civil War. The battle, which took place from 12-13 April 1861, began when Confederate troops fired on Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, and ended when Union forces surrendered 34 hours later. (Folds, with some soiling near fold lines. Light edge wear, including creasing, few short tears.)

Bennington Weekly Banner. Vol. 25, No. 9. Bennington, VT: J.I.C. Cook & Son, 13 April 1865. Features illustrated announcement of Lee's surrender at Appomattox. 4pp., folio, 25 x 18 in. Featured on page 2 of this weekly newspaper is a large, 6 x 9 in. graphic display of an eagle accompanied by prominent headlines and a detailed account of the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee to Union General U.S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, effectively marking the end of the Civil War. (Partial separation near centerfold.)

Together, 4 newspapers documenting watershed moments at the beginning and end of the Civil War.