In 1776, ideas traveled not by screen or signal, but by ink and paper. Pamphlets, newspapers and broadsides carried revolutionary thought from print shops into the public sphere, sparking debate, dissent and, ultimately, the fight for independence. Nearly 250 years later, Utah is inviting residents to reflect on the powerful history of the written word.

In collaboration with America 250, a national organization dedicated to commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the State of Utah is spending the year sponsoring programs and events that explore the ideas, actions and sacrifices that shaped the nation’s founding. Among the most compelling of these efforts is a year-long exhibit that opened last week on the fourth floor of the Utah State Capitol.

“The Pen Is Mightier: Writing a Revolution” highlights the texts, documents and orations that fueled revolutionary thought. Through a partnership with the State of Utah, the J. Willard Marriott Library plays a central role in this statewide initiative, with rare and remarkable treasures from its collections now on display at the Capitol.

Below are the five items the Marriott Library’s Rare Books Department has loaned to the state for the exhibit, all of which are accessible to visitors at the Utah State Capitol through December 2026.

“Common Sense” by Thomas Paine (1737-1809)

Philadelphia: 1776 [E211 .P124]

In this famous pamphlet, Thomas Paine called for the separation of the colonies from the mother country. His writings, perhaps more than any other writer, paved the way for the American colonists’ final break with Great Britain. “Common Sense,” a persuasive argument for independence, was a runaway best seller immediately upon publication. The text was first printed in Philadelphia by Robert Bell on Jan. 9, 1776, in an edition of 1,000 copies. Paine refused to copyright the work and gave permission to all to reprint it. Twenty-five editions were published in thirteen cities in the year 1776, reaching nearly half a million copies printed in that year alone. At that time, the colonial population was about 3 million, including slaves, women and children. It was this pamphlet that moved mass public opinion toward the cause of the revolution. The University of Utah’s copy is thought to be a sixth printing.

The Pennsylvania Gazette

Philadelphia: Printed by B. Franklin and H. Meredith, 1763 [AN2 P4 U64 1763]

The Pennsylvania Gazette was published in Philadelphia between 1728 and 1800 and was the second newspaper established in colonial Pennsylvania. Originally founded by Samuel Keimer, a British printer, the newspaper was purchased by Benjamin Franklin and Hugh Meredith in 1729. Franklin printed the paper and contributed pieces, often using a pseudonym. In 1754, Franklin printed the country’s first political cartoon in the Gazette. The cartoon shows a fractured snake, representative of the original seven colonies, above the words “Join, or die.” Attributed to Franklin, the image was created in response to the French and Indian War, though today, it is widely associated with the American Revolution. The University of Utah’s copy of the Gazette comes from a 1763 issue of the newspaper and serves as a powerful, tangible case study of how information was spread throughout the colonies in the years preceding the Revolution.

Continental Paper Currency

Philadelphia: Printed by Hall & Sellers, 1776 [HG521 C66 1776]

Also printed by Franklin’s press, this piece of currency marks an early attempt at creating unity amongst the colonies. Before the launching of a standard currency, each colony printed its own, forcing the Continental Congress to act. The front design on the fractional notes included the first use of the “FUGIO” (I fly) legend and sundial, as well as the “Mind your Business” legend. The back showed the 13 linked rings representing the colonies. These designs were created by Benjamin Franklin. The devices and border designs were cut by Elisha Gallaudet. Counterfeit detectors for the dollar denominations were made on blue paper. The paper, made at Ivy Mills in Chester County, Pennsylvania, contained blue fibers and mica flakes. This particular example was printed in 1776 and reads: “This bill entitles the bearer to receive three Spanish milled dollars, or the value thereof in gold or silver, according to a resolution of Congress, passed at Philadelphia, Nov. 2, 1776.”

An oration delivered March 6, 1775, by Joseph Warren (1741-1775)

Boston, Printed by Messieurs Edes and Gill, and by J. Greenleaf, 1775 [E215.4 W2892]

One of the most serious incidents preceding the American Revolution was the “Boston Massacre” of 1770, during which nine British soldiers fired on a crowd of more than 300 people, killing five colonists in Massachusetts Bay. Joseph Warren, a founding father, physician and one of the original members of Samuel Adams’ “Committees of Correspondence,” delivered this speech on the fifth anniversary of the event. In it, he argues that the Boston Massacre was proof of the inhumane actions of the British on the American people and insists that the colonists must defend their rights at all costs. The speech was later printed and sold for those not in attendance. Warren died not long after in the Battle of Bunker Hill.

The declaration by the representatives of the United Colonies of North America by the United States Continental Congress

London: publisher not identified, printed in the year, MDCCLXXV (1775) [J10 B75]

The Continental Congress was meeting in Philadelphia when British troops clashed with New England regiments at the Battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775. When Congress learned of the battle one week later, even delegates who favored reconciliation were forced to reconsider their position—a forceful American response was necessary. Thomas Jefferson drafted an initial statement describing America’s position, which was then rewritten by moderate Pennsylvania delegate John Dickinson. Surprisingly, Dickinson’s version, which was approved by Congress on July 6, 1775, was even more forceful than Jefferson’s first draft. In the declaration, the thirteen colonial representatives resolve that while a war of independence can still be avoided, colonial Americans would sooner die than continue to live in slavery. The declaration was later printed in pamphlet form for the public.

For more information on “The Pen Is Mightier: Writing a Revolution,” including when to see it, how and where, click here. Other Utah events and programs commemorating the semi-quincentennial can be found here.

Lastly, if you’re interested in learning more about the remarkable collection of American Revolution materials held within the Rare Books Department, be sure to check out the digital exhibit on the topic, Fighting Words.