The Press of Padre Antonio José Martínez
Ramage Press, ca. 1820
Although the exact model remains unknown, New Mexico’s first printing press was of the Ramage make and likely resembled the press you see here. Manufactured by Philadelphia press maker Adam Ramage during the first half of the 19th century, the wood frame screw press was a popular piece of equipment—inexpensive, lightweight, and easily transportable. The Ramage remained New Mexico’s only press for more than a decade, traveling back and forth from Taos to Santa Fe during the 1830s and 40s. Courtesy of the Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.
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