Albany in Shackelford County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

The Albany News

Photographed by Duane Hall, March 23, 2016

1. The Albany News Marker

Inscription. In 1866, a Union Army Regular, Harry Hall (H.H.) McConnell (1837-1895), left Pennsylvania and traveled to Fort Belknap near Jacksboro. A natural journalist, he was a talented writer with an inquisitive mind and sense of humor. Along with his partner, R. Chandler, McConnell began a newspaper in Jacksboro called the Frontier Echo on June 30, 1875. Later that year, Captain George W. Robson (1837-1918), a Union officer from Kansas, bought The Echo. In 1878, Robson relocated to Ft. Griffin and renamed the newspaper The Fort Griffin Echo, and from 1883-1884, it was named The Albany Echo. Robson’s newspaper was a success with much to say about crime, religion, politics, civic responsibility and public morals. In 1879, Edgar Rye, a Kentucky man who briefly worked with Robson, began a newspaper called The Albany Tomahawk. For four years, Robson’s and Rye’s newspapers rivaled each other through print. Finally, in 1884, Rye purchased The Echo, merged with The Albany Star to form The Albany News (also known as The Albany Weekly News from 1891-1894). With the talents of Don H. Biggers of Breckinridge, Rye’s newspaper was lively, unusual and excellent for the west Texas journalism world of the 19th century.
The 20th century editors, Paul Baker from 1908-1917, Col. Dick McCarty from 1917-1944 and John McGaughey from 1939-71, gave the newspaper more creativity and stability. Many historians regularly use these noteworthy newspapers for historical research and to gain insight into west Texas history. These significant publications and contributors gave future Texans knowledge and understanding of frontier life, people and events.
175 Years of Texas Independence ★ 1836 2011

Erected 2011 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 16916.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists:

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Communications • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is June 30, 1875.

Location. 32° 43.51′ N, 99° 17.831′ W. Marker is in Albany, Texas, in Shackelford County. It is on Main Street (U.S. 180) north of S. 1st Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 49 S Main St, Albany TX 76430, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Big Country.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Comanchería,

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 marker: City of Albany (within shouting distance of this marker); Texas Central Railway Company (within shouting distance of this marker); Georgia Battalion Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Ledbetter Picket House (within shouting distance of this marker); Ledbetter Salt Works CSA (within shouting distance of this marker);

View to North Along Main Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane Hall, March 23, 2016

2. View to North Along Main Street

Marker is on east side of street

Fort Griffin Fandangle (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Albany's First Public School (about 500 feet away); The Lynch Building (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Albany.

The Albany News Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane Hall, March 23, 2016

3. The Albany News Building

View to east from Bank Park across Main Street

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 19, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 522 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 19, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.