West Point's local newspapers began publication in 1872, two years after the town was incorporated. Unfortunately the vast majority of early issues have been lost. By my count, only 40 published between 1872 and March 1896 remain in three public archives; eight are duplicates. Issues for the next few years are even more scarce.
These surviving issues are fragile. Owning to the decline in newsprint quality during the 19th century, even with careful handling they fall apart in one's hand. For anyone interested in the history of West Point - and the surrounding communities - the loss of perhaps 95% of these early issues, and the pitiful condition of the remainder, is very disheartening.
The largest collection is located at the College of William & Mary's Swem Library. In August of 2010 the staff at the Special Collection Research Center allowed my "cousin" Jack Neale to photograph each issue. These photos have since been added to their digital archive, allowing researchers - and the simply curious - to view them without making their condition worse. Until funds become available for a more professional job - any stray fingers you see are mine - these will have to do. Instructions as to how to access these images follow.
The Library of Virginia microfilmed most of their copies years ago. These have been available for some time now at the LOV or by interlibrary loan. The last time I checked the originals are being conserved in preparation for future digitization. As part of the National Digital Newspaper Project, the library's collection of newspapers will eventually be on-line. You can check here for more information. However with the current funding limitations - the Library of Virginia has been especially hard hit - this may take many years.
The archives of the Virginia Historical Society hold the few remaining known issues. I do not know of any plans they have for digitization; I plan to inquire.
To see the issues at W&M click here, then browse subject, jump to W, and click on West Point, Virginia -- Newspapers.
Finally, if you know of any existing copies of early West Point newspapers outside these archives - The Star, The Virginian, The Plain Dealer, or even the Tidewater Review - please advise. We should talk.
