Nova Scotia Historical Newspapers

Nova Scotia Archives

Nova Scotia Historical Newspapers

The Royal American Gazette

Shelburne was founded in 1783 by some 15,000 political refugees displaced in the aftermath of the American Revolution. For a fleeting moment it was the fourth-largest community in North America, and with a population that large could sustain several newspapers in the early years. The Royal American Gazette was the first; begun in New York City in 1777, it migrated north with its publisher, James Robertson, in 1783. It featured local advertisements, reprints of news items from foreign newspapers, and some local content. Its Shelburne life ended when Robertson moved to Charlottetown PEI about 1785-86.

Selected Issues from 1785


The Royal American Gazette

Printed by James Robertson, at his Office, in King-Street, Shelburne.

Issue: 24 January 1785 Volume 16 Number 676


The Royal American Gazette

Printed by James Robertson, at his Office, in King-Street, Shelburne.

Issue: 31 January 1785 Volume 16 Number 677


The Royal American Gazette

Printed by James Robertson, at his Office, in King-Street, Shelburne.

Issue: 7 February 1785 Volume 16 Number 678


The Royal American Gazette

Printed by James Robertson, at his Office, in King-Street, Shelburne.

Issue: 21 February 1785 Volume 16 Number 680


The Royal American Gazette

Printed by James Robertson, at his Office, in King-Street, Shelburne.

Issue: 4 April 1785 Volume 16 Number 686


The Royal American Gazette

Printed by James Robertson, at his Office, in King-Street, Shelburne.

Issue: 11 April 1785 Volume 16 Number 687


The Royal American Gazette

Printed by James Robertson, at his Office, in King-Street, Shelburne.

Issue: 18 April 1785 Volume 16 Number 688


The Royal American Gazette

Printed by James Robertson, at his Office, in King-Street, Shelburne.

Issue: 25 April 1785 Volume 16 Number 689


The Royal American Gazette

Printed by James Robertson, at his Office, in King-Street, Shelburne.

Issue: 9 May 1785 Volume 16 Number 691


The Royal American Gazette

Printed by James Robertson, at his Office, in King-Street, Shelburne.

Issue: 30 May 1785 Volume 16 Number 694


The Royal American Gazette

Printed by James Robertson, at his Office, in King-Street, Shelburne.

Issue: 6 June 1785 Volume 16 Number 695


The Royal American Gazette

Printed by James Robertson, at his Office, in King-Street, Shelburne.

Issue: 13 June 1785 Volume 16 Number 696


The Royal American Gazette

Printed by James Robertson, at his Office, in King-Street, Shelburne.

Issue: 20 June 1785 Volume 16 Number 697


The Royal American Gazette

Printed by James Robertson, at his Office, in King-Street, Shelburne.

Issue: 27 June 1785 Volume 16 Number 698


The Royal American Gazette

Printed by James Robertson, at his Office, in King-Street, Shelburne.

Issue: 1 August 1785 Volume 16 Number 703


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