The Golden Era was a 19th century San Francisco newspaper that featured the writing of Mark Twain, Bret Harte, Charles Warren Stoddard (writing at first as "Pip Pepperpod"), Fitz Hugh Ludlow, Adah Isaacs Menken and Ada Clare.
The Golden Era began in 1852 as a weekly founded by Rollin Daggett and J. Macdonough Foard. In 1860 it was sold to James Brooks and Joseph E. Lawrence, and became more literary. Harr Wagner bought the weekly in 1882. In January 1886, Wagner changed to monthly publication, and hired Joaquin Miller as editor. Wagner married poet Madge Morris who was already a contributor, and her contributions became more numerous. In 1887, Wagner moved the periodical to San Diego, California—city officials enticed him with a $5,000 subsidy.