The Columbus Dispatch: A History of Ohio Journalism
Founded in the late 19th century, The Columbus Dispatch has served as a primary source of news for the city of Columbus, Ohio, for over 150 years. From its humble beginnings as a four-page afternoon paper to its current status under a global media conglomerate, the publication has mirrored the growth and evolution of the region it covers.
The Early Years and Foundation
The publication was established in June 1871 by a group of ten printers who pooled US$ 900 in financial capital. On July 1, 1871, the paper debuted as The Daily Dispatch. At the time, Columbus was a modest city with a population of 32,000. The first issue consisted of four pages and was sold for 4¢ per copy (approximately 108¢ in 2025 value). Initially, the paper operated out of rented headquarters located at North High Street and Lynn Alley, starting with a base of 800 subscribers.
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Growth and Innovation
As the paper grew, it embraced new advertising and formatting trends. On April 2, 1888, it published its first full-page advertisement, featuring the Columbus Buggy Company. By 1895, the paper moved to a larger facility at the northeast corner of Gay and High streets—a site previously occupied by a grocer. To commemorate this move, a special 72-page edition was published on April 10.
The turn of the century brought further expansion. On December 17, 1899, the paper launched its first Sunday edition, a 36-page publication priced at 3¢ (116¢ in 2025), while daily editions were reduced to 2¢ (77¢ in 2025). Innovation continued on March 3, 1901, with the introduction of the paper's first color comic strips.
The Wolfe Family Era
Renamed the Columbus Evening Dispatch, the paper underwent several ownership changes before being purchased in 1905 by brothers Harry Preston Wolfe and Robert Frederick Wolfe. The Wolfes, who previously operated a shoe company and had acquired the Ohio State Journal in 1903, maintained ownership of the paper for 110 years.
Under the Wolfes' leadership, the paper hit several milestones, including its first color advertisement for Beggs Store on December 16, 1906. However, the publication faced a major setback on April 9, 1907, when a fire destroyed the offices. The building was subsequently demolished and rebuilt, with the paper operating temporarily from 34/36 North High Street during the transition.
Beyond reporting, the paper played a role in aviation history by loaning money to Jerrie Mock, enabling her 1964 flight to become the first woman to fly solo around the world.
Editorial Stance and Political Leanings
Historically, the editorial staff of The Columbus Dispatch has maintained a conservative slant. This trend was evident in its presidential endorsements; until it endorsed Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump, the paper had not endorsed a Democratic presidential candidate since the re-election of Woodrow Wilson in 1916. In state politics, the paper endorsed Democrat Ted Strickland for governor in 2006, but later endorsed Republican John Kasich in 2010.
Corporate Transitions and Modern Era
The era of family ownership ended on June 3, 2015, when the paper was sold to GateHouse Media, a subsidiary of New Media Investment Group. Following New Media's 2019 acquisition of Gannett, GateHouse Media was rebranded as Gannett. This transition led to the closure of the Dispatch's own printing facility, with production outsourced to Indianapolis.
Separately, the Dispatch Broadcast Group—which included WBNS-AM, FM, and TV in Columbus, as well as WTHR in Indianapolis—remained with the Wolfe family until 2019, when it was sold to and absorbed by Tegna, Inc.
In recent years, the paper has adapted to changing media consumption habits. In March 2022, it moved to a six-day printing schedule, removing the Saturday print edition. In November 2025, the parent company Gannett rebranded as USA Today Co., Inc. As of February 2026, the printing operations for The Columbus Dispatch are located in Canton, Ohio.
Key Facts
- Founded: June 1871 by 10 printers with US$ 900.
- First Issue: July 1, 1871, as The Daily Dispatch.
- Wolfe Family Ownership: Lasted 110 years starting from 1905.
- Aviation Milestone: Funded Jerrie Mock's 1964 solo flight around the world.
- Current Parent Company: USA Today Co., Inc. (formerly Gannett).
- Printing Status: Six-day schedule (no Saturday print) as of 2022; printed in Canton, Ohio as of 2026.
| Year | Event | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1871 | Foundation | Launched as The Daily Dispatch; 4¢ per copy. |
| 1888 | First Full-Page Ad | Columbus Buggy Company. |
| 1899 | Sunday Edition | First 36-page Sunday issue launched. |
| 1905 | Wolfe Acquisition | Purchased by Harry and Robert Wolfe. |
| 1964 | Aviation Support | Funded Jerrie Mock's solo world flight. |
| 2015 | Corporate Sale | Sold to GateHouse Media. |
| 2026 | Printing Location | Production moved to Canton, Ohio. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded The Columbus Dispatch?
The paper was founded in June 1871 by a group of ten printers who provided US$ 900 in initial financial capital.
How long did the Wolfe family own the newspaper?
The Wolfe family, led by brothers Harry Preston and Robert Frederick Wolfe, owned the publication for 110 years, starting in 1905.
What is the current ownership of the paper?
The paper is owned by USA Today Co., Inc., which was previously known as Gannett.
Does the paper still print a daily edition?
As of March 2022, the paper follows a six-day printing schedule, which means there is no printed Saturday edition.
Where is the newspaper currently printed?
As of February 2026, The Columbus Dispatch is printed in Canton, Ohio.