Colonial Era Advertisements
Early Day Ads
A revealing glimpse into the the life of early America can be found in the classified ads that appeared in the newspapers of the day.
The first ad in the Boston News-Letter in 1704 asking readers to list any houses, ships or goods for sale met with resounding success. The concept spread like wildfire, adopted by a growing number of newspapers throughout the colonies.
The colonial era advertisements you see here are from newspapers in our archives — including The Columbian Centinel, The Pennsylvania Gazette, The Boston News-Letter and The Connecticut Courant.
Colonial Era Advertisements
 WANTED. A "Lad About Fourteen Years of Age As An Apprentice To The Hair Dresser." Boston, January 1792.        
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 Dwelling House For Sale. Includes "A Store, A Good Barn and Four Acres of Land" Hartford, Connecticut, November 1787.  FOR SALE. "Very Good Ground Coffee for Eight Shillings a Pound." Boston, May 1761.  FOR SALE. New Garden Seeds. "To Be Sold Cheap." Boston, January 1792. 
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 FOR SALE: Noted Stallion Eclipse. “Full Blooded, a Bright Bay and 15 Hands High.” Philadelphia, May 1789.  "Just Arrived From Ireland — Corduroys Low Priced" Boston, January 1788. |