Drawn to serious national readers, The Atlantic stands as a beacon of American journalism right here in Washington D.C. Since 2006, this magazine has made its mark on the city. But its story begins long before its relocation.
Founded in 1857 as The Atlantic Monthly in Boston, Massachusetts, it was conceived as a literary and cultural commentary magazine. Francis H. Underwood, an assistant to a publisher, initiated it. He didn’t get as much credit as his partners. The other founding sponsors included prominent writers. Ralph Waldo Emerson, Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow were among them. Harriet Beecher Stowe, John Greenleaf Whittier and James Russell Lowell also contributed. Lowell served as its first editor.
The Atlantic faced financial difficulties and ownership changes early on. It was then reformatted into a general editorial magazine. The focus shifted to foreign affairs, politics, economics and cultural trends. It now aimed at serious national readers and thought leaders.
Let’s consider The Atlantic’s impressive history. It has published leading writers’ commentary on abolition. Education and contemporary political affairs also featured. The magazine has an unparalleled record of National Magazine Awards. No other monthly magazine has won more.
The Atlantic’s first issue appeared on November 1, 1857. It quickly became known as one of the finest magazines in the English-speaking world. In 1860, The Atlantic endorsed Abraham Lincoln for president. This was a strong statement supporting the abolition of slavery.
Fast forward to today and The Atlantic continues to shape public discourse. In 2016, the editorial board endorsed Hillary Clinton. This was only the third time in its history that it endorsed a presidential candidate. After Donald Trump’s election, The Atlantic became a vocal critic.
The Atlantic has also embraced the digital age. TheAtlantic.com dropped its subscriber wall in 2008. This allowed free access to its site and archives. By 2011, its web properties attracted over 11 million unique visitors per month. This was a staggering 2500% increase.
In 2017, Laurene Powell Jobs’s Emerson Collective acquired a majority stake. This signaled a new chapter for the publication. Today, The Atlantic thrives as a multi-platform publisher. It covers politics, foreign affairs, business, culture, technology and science.
Consider this: The Atlantic wasn’t always based here in D.C. The move from Boston in 2006 marked a significant shift. It solidified its position as a key voice in national conversations.
In 2024, The Atlantic announced it would resume publishing monthly issues in 2025. This is a testament to its enduring relevance. With over one million subscribers, the magazine has become profitable.
So, as you stand here, remember The Atlantic’s journey. From its literary beginnings to its modern-day influence, it remains a vital source of information and insight. It continues to shape our understanding of the world.