Beman Gates and the "Marietta Intelligencer" 1839-56

Marietta, Ohio is a city with a population of 15,000. Beginning in 1801, thirteen years after its founding, the town began to be served by a series of enterprising newspapers, the most remarkable of which was the Marietta Intelligencer. The Intelligencer, a spirited voice of the Whig Party, was to revolutionise journalism in Marietta. Its news arrived sooner because paid correspondents relayed reports from Pittsburgh, Cincinatti and Columbus. Once telegraph lines were installed, The Intelligencer began experimenting with same day news coverage. In addition, Beman Gates, the editor, ensured that his newspaper served the community responsibly as an advocate of public education.