About

The Emerson Publishing Company circulated the first issue of the Emerson News on May 20, 1897 in Emerson, Georgia. Incorporated in 1889, the city of Emerson was a town situated along the Western & Atlantic Railroad, and the Emerson News was meant to entice new residents to the small town. Although there is evidence the Emerson Publishing Company owned property in 1889, the Emerson News appears to be the company’s first newspaper, and the inaugural issue featured detailed woodcut images, descriptions of Emerson’s vast resources, and resolutions from a recent local farmers’ meeting. The issue’s final page consisted of a full-page advertisement, which displayed available land lots for sale. May 20, 1897 is the Emerson News’ only known issue.