Ben came to Philadelphia to be a printer, and a printer he became. In this profession, he accomplished a great deal.
He made the first copperplate printing press in America. As owner and printer of the Pennsylvania Gazette, he began printing local news about folks living in Pennsylvania—something uncommon at that time. When his Gazette became the most important newspaper in the colonies, he hired riders on horseback to deliver the news quickly.
Franklin turned out dozens of essays, articles, and pamphlets. He wrote thousands of letters (to more than 4,000 correspondents!). Meanwhile, he wrote a four-part autobiography and Poor Richard’s Almanack, which was a popular annual publication—and one that many homes cherish today.
