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Central Corridor: Mill Creek Valley & Midtown
St. Louis Argus (1st)
2341 Market Street
Open to public / Not Open to public
Not open to public - DISPLACED
The St. Louis Argus first published in April 1912 by the directors of the Western Union Relief Association, an insurance organization, the personnel consisting of J, E. Mitchell, Dr. T. A. Curtis, Dr. S. P. Stafford, C. K. Robinson and Atty. George L. Vaughn who was its first editor. Herbert T. Meadows was advertising and circulation manager, and Mr. Mitchell the president and general manager. Two slogans were adopted; "An Exponent of Truth and Justice" and "A Square Deal for Every Man."
The newspaper office was located at 2341 Market Street. Operating without a press or any other printing equipment, Mitchell contracted to have C.K. Robinson, a well-known local printer whose shop was near the Argus, to print the paper at a cost of thirty-five dollars a week.
The circulation started with 1,000 subscribers and grew to four times that number the first year.
The Insurance Company retired from the business in 1914 and President Mitchell took over the publication and incorporated the company.
SOURCE: The historical information presented on this page is adapted with permission from Discovering African American St. Louis: A Guide to Historic Sites by Dr. John A. Wright, Sr. We are honored to share his invaluable research and historical insights, made available through the generous consent of Dr. Wright and the Missouri Historical Society Press. Their dedication to preserving and celebrating the rich legacy of Black St. Louis is a gift to our community—a testament to those who came before us and a guide for those who walk the path forward.
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2341 Market Street
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