Early AmericanNewspaper Advertisements

George Washington drums up publicity for a public auction.

Colonial Williamsburg

A runaway slave's stature, clothing, and skills are described in detail.

Colonial Williamsburg

Takers are tempted by the description of a likely tavern "built with all convenient out-houses."

Colonial Williamsburg

Travelers headed north might book a passage on the sloop Swan.

Colonial Williamsburg

A trip by coach from Philadelphia to New York was advertised for “Three Hard Dollars,” coins made from precious metal.

Colonial Williamsburg

Mr. Prentiss, a Philadelphia shoe- and bootmaker, used a newspaper ad to inform customers of a move to Front Street.

Colonial Williamsburg

A trio of ads extoll the virtues of a tavern, a carpenter, and a ship loaded with goods.

Colonial Williamsburg

Benjamin Franklin's warning to the British colonies in America "join or die" exhorting them to unite against the French and the Natives, shows a segmented snake, "S.C., N.C., V., M., P., N.J., N.Y., [and] N.E."

Library of Congress

A typical runaway slave ad takes an unusual turn when the absconded servant is "of the Indian Breed."

Colonial Williamsburg

Virginians' demand for stylish vehicles has not diminished in the centuries since this ad was published.

Colonial Williamsburg

An exasperated owner's detailed ad tells the tale of the escape of two servants.

Colonial Williamsburg

A merchant announces the auction of "150 healthy servants."

Colonial Williamsburg

The colony's governor offers his stallion's services.

Colonial Williamsburg

A runaway's owner hopes to identify his slave by the trade he might practice.

Colonial Williamsburg

An estate sale advertised at the death of Captain Dixon lists the deceased's worldly possessions.

Colonial Williamsburg

Every item imaginable can be had at the establishment of one William Pitt.

Colonial Williamsburg