The Californian (1840s newspaper) facts for kids
The Californian was the very first newspaper ever published in California. It started a long time ago, even before California became a state. This newspaper helped share important news and stories with people living there.
Contents
The First California Newspaper
The Californian newspaper began its journey in Monterey, California. Its first issue came out on August 15, 1846. It was a big moment for California's history!
Who Started It?
The newspaper was started by two friends, Walter Colton and Robert B. Semple. Walter Colton was an Alcalde, which was like a mayor or judge in the area at that time. They found an old printing press to get started.
The Printing Press
The printing press they used was quite old. It was brought to Monterey from Hawaii in 1834 by a person named Agustín V. Zamorano. He used it to print books and official papers, but not a newspaper. When American forces arrived in Monterey in 1846, they found this press.
What Was It Like?
The paper they printed on was unusual: it was cigarette paper! This was the only type of paper they could find in large amounts. Each issue was a single sheet. It measured about 11.75 by 10.25 inches (30 by 26 cm).
Two Languages, One Paper
One side of the paper was printed in English, and the other side was in Spanish. This helped reach more people in California. The biggest news in the very first edition was about the Mexican–American War. The United States had just declared war on Mexico.
Poetry in the News
On October 3, 1846, The Californian published the first poem ever printed in a California newspaper. It was called "On Leaving the United States for California." The next issue had another poem, "On Leaving California for the United States."
Moving to a New City
In mid-1847, The Californian moved to Yerba Buena, California. This town later became known as San Francisco. The city was about to change very quickly.
The Gold Rush Arrives
The famous California Gold Rush was just beginning. People started finding gold, and news spread fast by word of mouth. Because the news traveled so quickly, The Californian newspaper didn't even report on the gold discovery right away.
Why the Newspaper Stopped
The Californian newspaper had to stop printing on May 29, 1848. Why? Because almost everyone who worked for the newspaper left! They all went to the gold fields, hoping to find their own fortunes.
Another Newspaper Closes
Its main competitor, the California Star newspaper, also stopped printing for the same reason. Its staff left for the gold fields on June 14.
A New Beginning
Later in 1848, both The Californian and the California Star were bought. Their printing equipment was combined to create a new, bigger newspaper. This new paper was called the Alta Californian.
The Old Press's Journey
The older printing press from Monterey was then moved to Sacramento, California. It was used to print another newspaper called the Placer Times, starting in April 1849. This old press traveled to many other towns too, printing different local newspapers. It went to Stockton, California and Sonora, California. Sadly, the old press was eventually lost in one of the many fires that destroyed parts of Sonora before 1858.
Images for kids
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"Gold Mine Found", Californian, March 15, 1848
