The American Revolution wasn’t just fought on the battlefield—it played out in print, too. Check your knowledge in this pop quiz on how many newspapers were published, how many survived, and where you can explore them today.
Here’s your first clue:
According to American Journalism: A History, 1690-1960 by Frank Luther Mott, there were 37 newspaper publications in the American colonies on April 19, 1775, at the time of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the first battles of the American Revolution. Seventeen of these newspapers ended before the war was over. Eighteen newspaper publications began and ended during the American Revolution. Fifteen newspapers began publication during the American Revolution and continued after it ended.
Questions:
- How many newspaper titles were still in publication at the end of the American Revolution?
- How many total American newspapers were published throughout the American Revolution?
- Bonus question: where can you learn more about historic American Newspapers?
When you’re ready, scroll down for the answers!
Answers:
- When Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown on October 19, 1781, there were 35 American Newspapers being published in the American colonies. (Here’s the math: 37 – 17 + 15)
- Throughout the American Revolution, 70 different historic American newspapers were published. (Here’s the math: 37 + 18 + 15)
- Historic American Newspapers are available for free on *Chronicling America, the Library of Congress’s Digital Collection of Historic American Newspapers.
To learn more about Historic American Newspapers, join our webinar on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 1PM EST. Whether you’re a student in the beginning stages of research or an experienced researcher diving into newspaper topics and themes, this webinar will help you master the updated Chronicling America. We’ll also touch upon the unique challenges of researching early historic American newspapers and offer tips for uncovering rich stories from the foundation of the United States.
For those unable to attend this program at the time, the recording will be available for viewing afterward at the Newspaper and Current Periodical Reading Room’s Event Webinars collection.
Individuals requiring ADA accommodations should submit a request at least five business days in advance by contacting (202) 707-6362 or [email protected].
*The Chronicling America historic newspapers online collection is a product of the National Digital Newspaper Program and jointly sponsored by the Library and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
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