A Washington Hand Press manufactured more than 150 years ago at a plant in Cincinnati is still operating today. The press, currently displayed at the Tubac Presido State Historic Park in Arizona, was used to Print “The Weekly Arizonian,” Arizona’s first newspaper. The first issue of this newspaper was printed in Tubac on the Washington Hand Press in March 1859. This coming February marks the 153rd anniversary of the press’s arrival in Arizona.
The press, ordered by William Wrightson from a manufacturer in Cincinnati, was used for a variety of printing services throughout the years, including the printing of various regional newspapers and pamphlet printing. The press was not only used to Print the first newspaper in Arizona, it was also used to Print the first known pamphlet in the area. The Washington Hand Press was originally purchased for $250 and is still used to Print Copies of the very first issue that was ever printed on the press. Copies of the Weekly Arizonian’s first issue are printed for tourists at the park who come to view the historical printing press.
The Washington Hand Press is on display in a room at the Tubac Presido State Historic Park that is set up to recreate a Print shop reminiscent of the time period in which the press originally operated. An ink stone, composing stone, paper cutter, composing table, composing sticks, type-case cabinets, and an ink roller all surround the authentic Washington Hand Press. Get a Free Quote for Copies Get a Free Quote for Print
Location
11130 Kenwood Road
Blue Ash, OH 45242
Get Directions →
Phone
Hours
Mon: 8:30 - 4:30
Tue: 8:30 - 4:30
Wed: 8:30 - 4:30
Thu: 8:30 - 4:30
Fri: 8:30 - 4:30
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed