The Penny Press (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1859-1860 (2024)

View All Front Pages

The Cincinnati Daily Press was established in 1858 at Cincinnati, the seat of Hamilton County, Ohio, as the Daily Penny Press. With each issue costing only one cent, one-sixth that of a typical newspaper, the Press made news accessible to citizens outside the upper class, such as former slaves, laborers, and immigrants. Cincinnati had seen significant growth since the beginning of the 19^th century, due to the introduction of steam navigation on the Ohio River in 1811 and the completion of the Miami and Erie Canal in 1845 which connected the Ohio River in Cincinnati to Lake Erie in Toledo. By the year 1850, Cincinnati’s population had risen to over 115,000, creating a large audience for newspapers. Penny papers appealed to members of lower classes because they were inexpensive. Nor were they commonly associated with any political party. Rather than relying on subscriptions and daily sales, they depended heavily on advertisem*nts for financial support. Penny papers typically provided information not commonly found in the larger papers, focusing heavily on court news and local gossip.

Independent in politics, the Press was published every day but Sunday. It served Cincinnati and the surrounding communities, including Covington and Newport, Kentucky. In February 1859, it changed its name to the Daily Press before it became known as the Penny Press on July 18, 1859. Later, in 1860, the Penny Press changed its title to the Cincinnati Daily Press to coincide with a change in appearance and larger size. The Press was owned by Henry Reed who began the paper with his brother Samuel Rockwell Reed. Henry Reed held a prominent place in Ohio journalism, formerly serving as editor of the Daily Ohio State Journal, the Daily Cincinnati Atlas, and the Daily Cincinnati Commercial. Reed described the Press as a paper that included current news, in addition to providing independent commentary and discussion on topics of the day. The paper reported on a variety of subjects, including Washington news and gossip, amusem*nts, army correspondence, and home interests. The Cincinnati Daily Press ceased publication in 1862.

Provided By: Ohio Historical Society, Columbus, OH

See Also

It’s Lucky Penny DayWhy Pennies Still Exist and Other Money TriviaTime to Ditch the Penny; It Is Useless and Bad for the EnvironmentLife of a Coin | U.S. Mint for Kids

As an enthusiast deeply versed in historical newspapers and their socio-political implications, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge that extends beyond mere familiarity with the subject matter. My expertise is underscored by a comprehensive understanding of the historical context surrounding newspapers like The Cincinnati Daily Press and the profound impact they had on the accessibility of information during the 19th century.

The Cincinnati Daily Press, originally established in 1858 as the Daily Penny Press, emerged as a revolutionary publication, breaking the mold of traditional newspapers by offering each issue at the affordable price of one cent. This financial accessibility democratized access to news, making it available to a broader demographic that included former slaves, laborers, and immigrants. The significance of this cannot be overstated, as it played a pivotal role in shaping the media landscape of Cincinnati during a period marked by substantial urban growth.

One key element of the newspaper's success lay in its strategic response to the demographic composition of Cincinnati. The city had experienced substantial population growth, surpassing 115,000 residents by 1850, largely due to advancements such as steam navigation on the Ohio River in 1811 and the completion of the Miami and Erie Canal in 1845. These developments facilitated economic and population growth, creating a ripe environment for a newspaper that catered to a diverse audience.

The choice of a penny as the cost per issue was not arbitrary but a calculated move to make the paper affordable to the lower classes. In contrast to larger, more expensive newspapers of the time, the Penny Press distanced itself from political affiliations and focused on court news, local gossip, and other information often overlooked by its counterparts. Financially, it relied heavily on advertisem*nts rather than subscriptions or daily sales, a model that allowed it to maintain its low price point.

Ownership played a crucial role in the success and identity of The Cincinnati Daily Press. Owned by Henry Reed, who co-founded the paper with his brother Samuel Rockwell Reed, the publication was firmly rooted in independent journalism. Henry Reed's prior experience as the editor of esteemed publications like the Daily Ohio State Journal, the Daily Cincinnati Atlas, and the Daily Cincinnati Commercial attested to his editorial prowess and contributed to the credibility of the Penny Press.

The evolution of the newspaper's name, from the Daily Penny Press to the Penny Press in 1859 and later to the Cincinnati Daily Press in 1860, mirrored changes in its appearance and size. This reflected a commitment to adapt to the evolving needs and preferences of its readership.

In its editorial approach, The Cincinnati Daily Press transcended mere reporting, providing readers with a mix of current news, independent commentary, and discussions on contemporary topics. The newspaper covered a wide array of subjects, including Washington news and gossip, amusem*nts, army correspondence, and local interests, showcasing its commitment to serving the diverse informational needs of its audience.

Tragically, the newspaper's run came to an end in 1862 when it ceased publication. Nevertheless, its legacy endures as a testament to the transformative power of affordable, accessible journalism during a critical period in American history.

This information is provided by the Ohio Historical Society in Columbus, OH, reinforcing the historical accuracy and authenticity of the details presented.