Ben Marshall Baker
Columbus, Colorado County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(1837-1907) Influential owner-editor of "Colorado Citizens," whch he and brothers, Hicks and James, founded in 1857. All joined Confederate Army in Civil War; Hicks was killed. In ill Health, James moved away. Ben published "Citizens," 1873-1907. This was his home. Widow Virginia (Cunningham) lived here until 1916.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Ben Marshall Baker and his brothers founded the "Colorado Citizen" newspaper in 1857, and all three joined the Confederate Army when the Civil War came — one brother, Hicks, was killed in the fighting. Ben returned to publish the paper from 1873 until his death in 1907, making this house the center of the town's press. His widow Virginia lived on here until 1916.
Why it matters
Baker's long editorship shows the outsized role of the local newspaper editor in shaping opinion and community life in small-town post-Civil War Texas.
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Related people
- · Ben Marshall Baker
- · Virginia (Cunningham) Baker
Themes & tags
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