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Civil War Newspapers Go On View At Newseum In D.C.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Historic newspapers from the North and the South showing how the Civil War unfolded are going on display at the Newseum in Washington.

The museum about journalism opened the exhibit, "Blood and Ink," Saturday with more than 30 front pages.

The Newseum says newspapers covered the war 150 years ago with more speed and depth than any previous story. The newly invented telegraph allowed them to report breaking news as it happened.

As the war dragged on, newsprint became scarce in the South. Some newspapers resorted to printing on wallpaper, and curators included two of those newspapers.

The newspapers include coverage of President Abraham Lincoln's election, the opening shots at Fort Sumter, S.C., the Battle of Gettysburg, the South's surrender and Lincoln's assassination. An 1807 paper includes advertisements for slaves.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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