Victoria in Victoria County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
The "Victoria Advocate"
Photographed by James Hulse, February 17, 2022
1. The "Victoria Advocate" Marker
The second oldest newspaper in continuous operation in Texas, the "Victoria Advocate" began as the weekly "Texan Advocate" in 1846. The first issue was published on May 8, 1846, the same day as the Battle of Palo Alto, first battle in the Mexican War. An extra edition was printed to inform local citizens of the event.
The newspaper's first publishers were Thomas Sterne (1818-1906) and John Davis Logan (1818-1878), both experienced newspapermen. They changed the name of the paper in its first year to the "Texian Advocate" in response to requests from early Texas pioneers. Sterne and Logan sold the newspaper in 1853. Both became ranchers, and Logan later operated the "Daily Herald" newspaper in San Antonio.
Later editors and publishers included Sam Addison White, Victor Marion Rose, Frank R. Pridham, Edward Daniel Linn, John L. Bartow, Louis Nicholas Hofer, and James McDonald. It was during White's ownership that the newspaper was renamed the "Victoria Advocate" between 1859 and 1861. McDonald introduced the "Daily Advocate" in 1897. Both daily and weekly editions were published until 1943.
Growing with the city, the "Advocate" has served the citizens of Victoria for well over a century.
Erected 1989 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 6575.)
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Communications. A significant historical date for this entry is May 8, 1846.
Location. Marker is missing. It was located near 28° 47.893′ N, 97° 0.211′ W. Marker was in Victoria, Texas, in Victoria County. It was at the intersection of East Constitution Street and South De Leon Street, on the right when traveling east on East Constitution Street. The marker stands on the right side of the front entrance to the building. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 311 East Constitution Street, Victoria TX 77901, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker was in the American South and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it was in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Federal Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Pela House (about 400 feet away); Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church (about 400 feet away); Joe F. and Amelia Jecker House (about 600 feet away); Hauschild Opera House (about 700 feet away); Brownson's Bank (approx. 0.2 miles away); Confederate Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Victoria.
Also see . . . Newspapers.
Early newspapers, usually four pages long, varied in dimensions(Submitted on February 22, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)from 9½ by 12 inches to "blanket" sheets. With the exception of a few dailies, they appeared weekly, semiweekly, or triweekly. Their content was similar to that of newspapers in other states: foreign news, reprints from other papers, literary features, official notices, and little local news. Editorials were political, civic, or personal in nature. The writing was subjective, diffuse, semihumorous, and often vilifying. The publishers, the editors, and in many instances the printers of early Texas were well-educated and able men who enjoyed the respect of their communities. Source: The Handbook of TexasPhotographed by James Hulse, February 17, 20222. The "Victoria Advocate" Marker at the front door of the building
Photographed by James Hulse, February 17, 2022
3. The view of the "Victoria Advocate" Marker from the street
Photographed by Dave W, February 7, 2026
4. The "Victoria Advocate" Marker Location
Marker has been removed and this building is now a Victoria County office building. Marker was located in the area that now has a list of offices.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 22, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 511 times since then and 61 times this year. Last updated on February 11, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 22, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 4. submitted on February 11, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
