Why did Austin need a Democratic newspaper? The year was 1871. Delegates at the Democratic State Convention decided Austin needed a newspaper. It would compete with the two Republican papers already circulating. That’s the origin story of The Austin Statesman.
Here we stand before The Austin Statesman Plaque. It marks a significant chapter in Austin’s history. The Austin Statesman newspaper played a crucial role in shaping the city’s identity. Its story is intertwined with Texas’s political and social evolution.
A committee led by Alexander Stuart Walker worked out the details. The Austin Democratic Statesman debuted on July 26, 1871. It was a tri-weekly paper published Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The first issue declared its support for the principles of Democracy. These principles were set forth in the Democratic State Convention platform.
In August 1871, the Statesman Publishing Company launched a Tuesday weekly. It was named the Weekly Democratic Statesman. It gained immediate success. Cardwell served as editor for both papers. By 1873, a subscription to the Weekly Democratic Statesman cost two dollars and fifty cents. That same year, the Democratic Statesman became a daily. The paper had a circulation of 1,800. It was four pages long. Its size was 29 x 43 inches.
The Austin Statesman covered international and national news. It also covered local events. Reporters in Washington, D.C. provided correspondence. Announcements of state government events were printed. Columns featured news telegrams from reporters across Texas. Editorials reflected the paper’s Democratic principles.
The Austin Statesman reported on Austin’s growth. It covered state and city services. It addressed ethnic and racial conflicts in the area. It also wrote about economic strategies for local businesses. Considered a family paper, The Austin Statesman ran diverse articles. These included farming, animal husbandry, and medicinal home remedies. Fashion, childcare, and household management were also covered.
The Austin Statesman continued publishing under different titles. The Austin Statesman ran from 1921 to 1973. It was published by the American Pub. Co. Access to historical articles from 1871-1980 is now available online. These articles are searchable. They are in PDF format.
Imagine the bustling newsroom. Picture the clatter of printing presses. Feel the weight of history in each preserved page. The Austin Statesman Plaque reminds us of the power of the press. It also reminds us of its role in a growing city.
The Austin Statesman stood as a voice. It was a reflection of its time. It shaped public opinion. Its legacy lives on in Austin’s vibrant media landscape. This plaque commemorates that legacy. It ensures the story of The Austin Statesman endures.