Downtown San Jose in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
San Jose Mercury News
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, February 6, 2012
1. San Jose Mercury News Marker
Inscription.
San Jose Mercury News. . The San Jose Mercury News was first published, on this site, on June 20, 1851. Known as the San Jose Weekly Visitor, it was the city’s fist permanent newspaper. The paper changed owners and mastheads several times before becoming the San Jose Weekly Mercury in 1861. In 1901, E.A. and J.O. Hayes bought the paper merging it with the San Jose Herald. Brothers whose vast wealth derived from their Ashland iron mine, they saw the press as a vehicle for political reform. The Hayes family controlled the paper until 1952, when it was purchased by Ridder Publications. In 1974, Knight Newspapers merged with Ridder to form a new company, Knight-Ridder.
The San Jose Mercury News was first published, on this site, on June 20, 1851. Known as the San Jose Weekly Visitor, it was the city’s fist permanent newspaper. The paper changed owners and mastheads several times before becoming the San Jose Weekly Mercury in 1861. In 1901, E.A. and J.O. Hayes bought the paper merging it with the San Jose Herald. Brothers whose vast wealth derived from their Ashland iron mine, they saw the press as a vehicle for political reform. The Hayes family controlled the paper until 1952, when it was purchased by Ridder Publications. In 1974, Knight Newspapers merged with Ridder to form a new company, Knight-Ridder.
Erected by San Jose History Walk. (Marker Number 8.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Communications. A significant historical date for this entry is June 20, 1851.
Location. 37° 20.167′ N, 121° 53.475′ W. Marker is in San Jose, California, in Santa Clara County. It is in Downtown San Jose. Marker is on West Santa Clara Street west of North 1st Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 41 West Santa Clara Street, San Jose CA 95113, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Bank of America Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Electric Light Tower
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, February 6, 2012
2. San Jose Mercury News Marker
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, January 30, 2012
3. Diagram of the San Jose History Walk
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, January 30, 2012
4. Diagram of the San Jose History Walk
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 15, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,216 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 15, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
