Benjamin Harris was an English-American printer, author, and journalist who lived in the 17th century. Born in 1647, he is best known for being the first known journalist in America and publishing the first newspaper on the American continent.
Harris arrived in the American colonies around 1679 and quickly established himself as a printer. In 1690, he published a weekly newspaper titled "Publick Occurrences Both Forreign and Domestick" in Boston, Massachusetts. This publication is considered the first newspaper printed in America, although its first issue was also its last due to the British colonial authorities shutting it down after just a day.
Although short-lived, Harris played a significant role in shaping the concept of journalism in America. His newspaper aimed to provide the public with both foreign and domestic news, thus setting a precedent for subsequent newspapers in the colonies. Harris's work paved the way for a free press and the development of a journalistic tradition that continues to this day.
Beyond his foray into journalism, Harris also published books and pamphlets on various topics, including religious and political works. His contributions to the printing and publishing industry during a time of growing intellectual and political consciousness in colonial America are notable.
Overall, Benjamin Harris was an important figure in American colonial history, credited with being the first journalist and newspaper publisher, making significant strides in establishing the foundations of a free press and a vibrant publishing industry in the early years of America.
