Victoria Advocate celebrates 180 years recording history of South Texas

From the Victoria Advocate

VICTORIA – The Victoria Advocate is celebrated its 180th anniversary May 8, marking nearly two centuries of chronicling the history, growth and transformation of the Crossroads region.

Founded May 8, 1846, the newspaper is the second-oldest newspaper in Texas and the oldest continuously operating newspaper west of the Colorado River. Since its founding, the publication has documented wars, hurricanes, economic booms, political shifts and generations of community life across South Texas.

The newspaper was established as a weekly publication called the Texan Advocate by publishers John D. Logan and Thomas Sterne, who relocated from Arkansas to Texas during the early years of the Republic and statehood era.

The paper’s earliest reporting was tied directly to the Mexican-American War. Its first extra edition informed Victoria residents about the Battle of Palo Alto, considered the first major battle of the war.

In its early years, the publication aligned with the Whig Party and briefly employed noted Texas journalist and historian John Henry Brown as an editor. Ownership changed multiple times throughout the 1850s before Sam Addison White purchased the paper in 1859 and renamed it The Victoria Advocate.

As Victoria expanded during the late 19th century, the newspaper grew alongside the city, becoming a primary outlet for civic discussion and local news coverage. In 1897, publisher James McDonald launched the paper’s daily format in response to community demand.

The paper entered a period of growth under publisher George Henry French, who acquired it in 1901 and operated it for four decades. 

During that time, circulation expanded and the publication increased in size and regional influence.

In 1942, businessman Morris Roberts and a group of local investors purchased the paper. Roberts later became sole owner and helped guide the publication through decades of technological and industry changes. Leadership of the paper later passed to members of the Roberts family.

The newspaper also holds a place in pop culture history. The Advocate was among the first newspapers in the United States to publish Elzie Crisler Segar’s Thimble Theatre comic strip, which introduced the character Popeye the Sailor Man to readers.

Over time, the company expanded beyond Victoria. In 2015, Victoria Advocate Publishing Company changed its name to M. Roberts Media as it acquired additional newspapers across Texas.

In 2024, ownership transitioned to Carpenter Media Group. That same year, the newspaper also announced a shift from traditional carrier delivery to postal delivery service.

The anniversary arrives shortly after the City of Victoria celebrated its bicentennial in 2024, linking two historic milestones in the community’s long history. Today, the Victoria Advocate continues publishing daily coverage of local government, education, business, weather, sports and community events throughout the Crossroads region. Historical editions and archives remain accessible through the newspaper’s website and the Victoria Regional History Center.