Contributed by Maine Historical Society
Description
Benjamin Titcomb and Thomas Wait published of Maine's first newspaper, The Falmouth Gazette and Weekly Advertiser. The first issue, published on New Year’s Day 1785, marked the first item ever printed in what would become the state of Maine.
Named for its hometown—Falmouth —the newspaper changed its name in 1786 when Falmouth Neck broke off to form the town of Portland. By that time, Titcomb branched out with his own printing business. Wait rebranded the newspaper as The Cumberland Gazette, an homage to Cumberland County.
Four pages in length, this inaugural issue lead by introducing its publishers, followed by a philosophical piece for the New Year, news in Europe, and a few advertisements. It closed with a French tale of true crime—a murder solved by none other than a faithful dog.
In subsequent issues, the newspaper promoted Maine's separation from Massachusetts, including a “separationist call to meeting” on September 17, 1785.
About This Item
- Title: Falmouth Gazette and Weekly Advertiser, 1785
- Creator: Thomas Wait
- Creation Date: 1785-01-01
- Subject Date: 1785
-
Locations:
- Falmouth, Cumberland County, ME
- Portland, Cumberland County, ME
- Media: Ink on paper
- Local Code: Newspapers 1-41
- Collection: Newspapers
- Object Type: Text
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
Other Keywords
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website
Use of this Item is not restricted by copyright and/or related rights, but the holding organization is contractually obligated to limit use. For more information, please contact the contributing organization. However, watermarked Maine Memory Network images may be used for educational purposes.
Please post your comment below to share with others. If you'd like to privately share a comment or correction with MMN staff, please send us a message with this link.
