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October 10, 2024
Today in Texas History
On this day in 1835, the Telegraph and Texas Register published its first issue at San Felipe de Austin. The earliest Texas newspaper to achieve a degree of permanence, it was founded by Gail Borden Jr., Thomas H. Borden, and Joseph Baker and became the official organ of the Republic of Texas.
By Dec. 14, the paper claimed a circulation of 500. The advance of Antonio López de Santa Anna's force compelled the publishers to retire after issuing their paper on March 24, 1836. The press was removed to Harrisburg, and the issue for April 14 was being readied when publication was again interrupted by the Mexicans, who captured the printers and threw the press into Buffalo Bayou.
During the summer of 1836, Gail Borden obtained a new press in Cincinnati and resumed publication of the Telegraph at Columbia, to which place the Congress of the Republic was summoned. The first Columbia number contained a copy of the Constitution of the Republic of Texas. In 1837, the Telegraph was removed on board the Yellow Stone to Houston, the new capital. The paper continued under a variety of names and a series of editors until its final demise in 1877.
By Dec. 14, the paper claimed a circulation of 500. The advance of Antonio López de Santa Anna's force compelled the publishers to retire after issuing their paper on March 24, 1836. The press was removed to Harrisburg, and the issue for April 14 was being readied when publication was again interrupted by the Mexicans, who captured the printers and threw the press into Buffalo Bayou.
During the summer of 1836, Gail Borden obtained a new press in Cincinnati and resumed publication of the Telegraph at Columbia, to which place the Congress of the Republic was summoned. The first Columbia number contained a copy of the Constitution of the Republic of Texas. In 1837, the Telegraph was removed on board the Yellow Stone to Houston, the new capital. The paper continued under a variety of names and a series of editors until its final demise in 1877.