This study has dual purposes of studying the history of the Canton Register. First, as the first English newspaper in China and an important source material, the background of the Canton Register should be known. Therefore, this study examines the birth and key individuals of the Canton Register. The great demand of commercial information of the foreign community in China was the fundamental catalyst for the establishment of the Canton Register. The content and the general philosophy of the Canton Register depended greatly on its key individuals, such as editors or publishers. The understanding of the birth and key individuals of the Canton Register can help researchers to use it properly. The second purpose is to comprehend the historical role of the Canton Register. The Canton Register is no doubt a useful source, but its emergence in Canton in the pre-Opium War period is also a significant historical phenomenon. Thus, the Canton Register has its own historical role. Through the perspective of the foreign community in China, this study understands the historical role of the Canton Register as preparing the foreign community for the challenge ahead. Key Words: the Canton Register, Background, Foreign community, Key individuals, Historical role.