Columbian Printing Press

In 1813, the American George E. Clymer invented the Columbian Press, one of the first iron printing presses. Clymer hoped that the press would encourage the foundation of newspapers in the “Wild West” of the United States. However, the weight of the press made it difficult to transport and it remained in use mainly in eastern American towns and cities. Clymer named his press “Columbian,” a reference to the explorer Christopher Columbus, due to his interest in all things American.