The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio’s Greatest Hometown Newspaper

The Columbus Dispatch sign

The iconic Columbus Dispatch sign on 3^rd Street has been part of the city’s skyline since 1958. A previous sign was at the corner of Gay and High Streets in the 1920s.

Modern newspapers began in 16th century Europe and the first American newspaper was printed by John Pory in Jamestown, Virginia. By the 19th century, city newspapers were well-established across the United States. The Columbus Dispatch began publishing in 1871, making it our city’s longest running newspaper still in existence.

In 2023, Gannett Co. donated the photo archive to the Columbus Metropolitan Library where it is being digitized. Images scanned so far are available to view in CML's digital collection My History.

Columbus Metropolitan Library’s mission is to connect people, share resources and inspire reading. Exhibits like this one help Ohioans to remember the past and create a better future. Visit the Local History & Genealogy division at Main Library for more information or email us at history@columbuslibrary.org.