American History: Primary Sources

This is a partial selection. For assistance finding more, ask a librarian.

Signatures on the Treaty of Paris, 1783, which signified the end of the American Revolution. 
Image source: AP Images.

A primary source is a first-hand account or original document.

Examples of primary sources in American history:

• Speeches such as a president's inaugural address or Sojourner Truth's "Ain't I A Woman" speech

• An original document such as the Declaration of Independence or pamphlets from Cornell University Law Library's Trial Pamphlets Collection.

• Photographs or footage of events such as the Hindenburg disaster

• News published or broadcast during or immediately following an occurrence

• Official publications such as this Facts About Fallout pamphlet and the
  9/11 Commission Report 

Consult the Research Process guide to learn more about primary sources and compare them to secondary sources.

Find text of original congressional debates and speeches.