This week’s #MarkerMonday highlights the history of the Augusta Chronicle. On August 30, 1785, Greenburg Hughes published Augusta’s first newspaper, the Augusta Gazette, the forerunner to what became the Augusta Chronicle. When Hughes moved to Charleston, South Carolina, the newspaper continued under John Erdman Smith as the Georgia State Gazette or Independent Register. After changing hands and names several times, the name was finally changed to the Augusta Chronicle. Since the yellow fever epidemic in 1839, the newspaper never missed an issue. Between the mid-1800s and early 1900s, the Augusta Chronicle began hiring professional editors, investing in updated printing technology, and realizing the potential of the telegraph to receive new content. During the 20th Century, the newspaper continued to grow as Augusta experienced the creation of the Savannah River Dam, introduction of a college and military base, and the crowds that flocked to the city for the Masters Tournament. The Augusta Chronicle also grew to join forces with longtime rival, the Augusta Herald. In 2015 the newspaper celebrated 230 years of circulation.
Explore the links below to learn more about the Augusta Chronicle.
GHS is proud to house the Augusta Newspaper Digest, compiled from the files of the Augusta Chronicle.