The New York Times, a publication that would eventually achieve widespread recognition, began its journey in 1851. Founded by Henry Jarvis Raymond and George Jones, both journalists who had previously worked for Horace Greeley at the New-York Tribune, the newspaper was initially known as the New-York Daily Times. Its first issue was published on September 18, 1851, from a basement office at 113 Nassau Street. The paper quickly established itself,
particularly among conservative readers, and even garnered praise from Horace Greeley himself, despite Raymond and Jones having left his employ.
Origins and Initial Success
The establishment of Raymond, Jones & Company on August 5, 1851, marked the formal beginning of the newspaper. Financier Edward B. Wesley is also credited as a co-founder, having served as the original business manager and providing half of the initial capital. Wesley, however, sold his interest in the newspaper in 1860, before its most significant early challenges and triumphs. The New-York Daily Times frequently drew content from European newspapers and from within the United States, especially from California, to fill its pages.
During its early years, the paper focused on building its circulation and establishing its editorial voice. Its conservative stance resonated with a segment of the New York readership, contributing to its initial success. The foundation laid by Raymond and Jones during this period was crucial for the paper's future growth and its ability to navigate the turbulent times ahead, including the American Civil War.
Civil War and Expansion
The American Civil War, which began in 1861, presented both challenges and opportunities for the burgeoning newspaper. The New-York Daily Times distinguished itself by sending correspondents directly into the Confederate states to gather information. This commitment to on-the-ground reporting provided readers with firsthand accounts and insights into the conflict, enhancing the paper's reputation for comprehensive coverage. This period also saw the paper's name change to The New-York Times, a modification made by Henry Jarvis Raymond.
Raymond's death in 1869 marked a significant transition for the newspaper. George Jones inherited the paper, taking the helm during a period of continued expansion and increasing influence. The groundwork laid during the war years, with its emphasis on direct reporting, helped solidify the paper's standing and prepared it for the next phase of its development under Jones's leadership.
The Jones Era and National Recognition
Under George Jones's leadership, The New-York Times embarked on a path that would lead to national recognition. A pivotal moment in this era was the paper's aggressive coverage of the corrupt Tammany Hall political boss, William M. Tweed. Despite strong opposition from other New York newspapers, the Times fearlessly published a series of articles criticizing Tweed and his political machine. This courageous stance against corruption set the paper apart and demonstrated its commitment to investigative journalism.
In 1871, The New-York Times published Tammany Hall's accounting books, providing irrefutable evidence of the corruption. This exposé led to Tweed's trial in 1873 and his subsequent sentencing, a major victory for the newspaper and for civic reform. This period of aggressive reporting and its successful campaign against Boss Tweed brought the Times to national prominence in the 1870s, solidifying its reputation as a powerful and influential journalistic institution. The paper's circulation, while not precisely known for all periods, reached significant numbers, particularly during the height of the Tweed campaign, though it did not exceed 36,000 during that specific outlier period.
