The True American, a Trenton newspaper that first appeared in 1801 and lasted until 1913, was by the mid-19th century a local institution. Starting in 1857, a new feature appeared on an annual basis. The first issue of the year contained an index of the leading local stories from the previous year. Encapsulating the life of a growing city, the index provides valuable information on life in Trenton during this time period. Initially deaths were listed with all the other entries; however, starting in 1865 they were separated out. Marriages were also first ennumerated in that year. For the years they exist these indexes provide a concise listing of daily events in Trenton. In later years, the Trenton Times continued the tradition begun by the True American.
Currently available are: