Pennsylvania Gazette

American newspaper

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July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

“Join, or Die” “Join, or Die,” the first known American cartoon, published by Benjamin Franklin in his *Pennsylvania Gazette*, 1754, to support his plan for colonial union presented at the Albany Congress.

The Pennsylvania Gazette was a prominent colonial newspaper published by Benjamin Franklin from 1729. It was recognized as one of the best colonial newspapers of its time. Franklin's involvement with the Gazette was part of his broader success in the printing trade, which also included printing Pennsylvania's paper currency and publishing Poor Richard's Almanack.1

While the Pennsylvania Gazette was a significant publication, the Boston Gazette and Country Journal, founded by Benjamin Edes, played a more direct role in advocating for American independence. Edes's newspaper was a leading voice for the patriots, circulating more copies than any other colonial paper at one point. British authorities even offered a bounty for Edes's arrest due to its content.2

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Benjamin Franklin
Achievements and inventions of Benjamin Franklin
Other moneymaking ventures included the Pennsylvania Gazette, published by Franklin from 1729 and generally acknowledged as among the best of the colonial newspapers, and Poor Richard’s almanac, printed annually from 1732 to 1757. Despite some failures, Franklin prospered. Indeed, he made enough to lend money with interest and to invest…
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Other moneymaking ventures included the Pennsylvania Gazette, published by Franklin from 1729 and generally acknowledged as among the best of the colonial newspapers, and Poor Richard’s almanac, printed annually from 1732 to 1757. Despite some failures, Franklin prospered. Indeed, he made enough to lend money with interest and to invest…
Read More