The Hartford Courant (est. 1764): Springfield, CT - Oldest Media Outlet In America

The Hartford Courant (est. 1764) is the oldest continuously published newspaper and therefore oldest media outlet in America. Founded prior to American independence, on October 29, 1764, New Haven printer Thomas Green began publishing The Hartford Courant (then known as The Connecticut Courant) out of the Heart and Crown Tavern in Hartford, Connecticut. 

In 1913, with its daily edition in high demand, the paper published its first-ever Sunday edition. The paper was one of the leading supporters of Abraham Lincoln's presidential campaign. When Lincoln won the presidency, The Hartford Courant reported the victory with the headline, "VICTORY, VICTORY, WE'VE GOT 'EM."  Throughout the decades that followed, Connecticut residents repeatedly turned to The Hartford Courant for coverage of the military conflicts erupting across the globe, the rapid commercial and political transformations occurring at home, and the country’s foray into outer space. The paper not only kept readers around the country informed on important local, national, and international events for over two and half centuries, but access to its well-preserved archival resources provides important insight into life in the U.S. dating back to its very conception. 

Although its headquarters in Hartford, CT was closed on December 27, 2020 the newspaper continues in operation as the oldest media company with reporters still covering stories in the city of Hartford and state of Connecticut. Spokesman Max Reinsdorf said Tribune Publishing, the Chicago-based company that owns the Courant, is “constantly evaluating its real estate needs.” The Hartford Courant is currently owned by Tribune Publishing of Chicago since 2000. Reporters and staff members now work remotely. The paper is now being printed in Springfield, CT with the distinction of the oldest media company in America.