Revolutionary War Newspapers

As the lone formal source for news in its day, newspapers held an important place in early American history. During the American Revolution, newspapers passed along news of monumental victories and crushing defeats. Revolutionary War newspapers were not only sources of news, but satire and editorials. Once the Americans had won their independence from Britain, the founders struggled with how newspapers should be regulated. Even after passage of the Bill of Rights, the freedom of speech was a hotly contested issue.

Some of the more prominent pre-Revolutionary War newspapers included The New England Courant, The Pennsylvania Gazette (right), The South Carolina Gazette, and The Virginia Gazette.  As the American Revolution gained momentum, newspapers such as The Massachusetts Spy, The Salem Gazette, and the Philadelphia Evening Post. 

Revolutionary War newspapers were critical to the overall success of the American cause.  As the war spread throughout the colonies, newspapers became a powerful voice that helped unite the people.  They carried editorials, satires, and stories of patriotic heroism from the battlefield.


Newspapers from the Revolutionary War make an outstanding collectible. They make excellent display artifacts and allow collectors to see the world through the eyes of the Revolutionaries. Major newspapers from significant cities - Philadelphia, Boston, New York City - carry a premium, as do papers carrying a major story.