March 20 1869 Harper's Weekly, Inauguration of President Grant, Howard University, Schuyler Colfax, Mont Cenis Tunnel

This March 20, 1869 issue of Harper’s Weekly is a "Red Letter" edition for collectors of American political history and African American heritage. It serves as the definitive visual record of the transition of power to Ulysses S. Grant and the early years of one of the nation’s most prestigious HBCUs.


​Title: March 20 1869 Harper's Weekly, Inauguration of President Grant, Howard University, Schuyler Colfax, Mont Cenis Tunnel


​Item Description
​A cornerstone issue for any serious archive! This original 16-page edition captures the grand ceremony of Grant's first inauguration and the architectural birth of "The Capstone" of Black education.


​Major Historical Content:
​🇺🇸 The Inauguration of President Grant: The showpiece of this issue is a magnificent double-page centerfold titled "The Inauguration of President Grant, March 4, 1869." This sweeping engraving captures the massive crowds and the solemnity of the event at the U.S. Capitol. It is an exceptionally displayable piece of 19th-century political art.
​🎓 Howard University: Features a significant half-page illustration of "Howard University, Washington D.C." Founded just two years prior in 1867, this contemporary view shows the university in its infancy. It is a vital primary source for the history of higher education for African Americans during Reconstruction.
​🏛️ Transition of Power: The front cover features "Vice-President Wade Administering the Oath to Schuyler Colfax," documenting the official swearing-in of Grant's Vice President.
​⛪ Convent Life—The Romance and The Reality: A fascinating full-page social commentary piece. It uses a split-scene technique to contrast the idealized Victorian "Romance" of a nun's life with the austerity of the "Reality."
​🚇 The Mont Cenis Tunnel: Includes an article and several detailed illustrations regarding this massive engineering project in the Alps. This was the first great trans-Alpine tunnel, representing the pinnacle of 1860s civil engineering.
​🔍 Condition
​I have provided high-resolution photos of every page. This 157-year-old issue is complete in 16 pages. The Grant Inauguration centerfold and the Howard University print are in beautiful condition—sharp, dark, and clear. You will see authentic, uniform age-toning and very light foxing, which confirms its 19th-century origin.


​📦 Shipping & 🖼️ Archival Framing
​Professional Shipping: Your history will arrive flat, secure, and tracked. I never fold or roll these delicate documents; they are protected by heavy-duty boards to ensure they arrive in gallery-ready condition. 🚫🗞️

​Archival Framing Available: The Grant centerfold is a museum-quality piece. I offer Custom Archival Framing upon request, using UV-protected acrylic and acid-free matting to preserve the paper from yellowing and UV damage for decades to come. 🏛️


​💎 Why It’s Collectible
​Grant Inaugural Record: As the first issue following the ceremony, this is the primary visual source for one of America's most famous inaugurations.
​HBCU History: Contemporary 1860s illustrations of Howard University are rare and highly sought after by university alumni and historians of the Reconstruction era.
​Engineering Milestones: The Mont Cenis Tunnel prints appeal to collectors of industrial and technological history.


​SEO Keywords
​1869 Harpers Weekly, Inauguration of Ulysses S. Grant, Howard University History, HBCU Art, Schuyler Colfax Oath, Mont Cenis Tunnel, Victorian Convent Life, Reconstruction Era Washington DC, Antique Grant Print, 19th Century Political Art.
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