Railroad promoter Ben Holladay launched the newspaper, one of several efforts to challenge The Oregonian's position as Portland's dominant newspaper, as part of his effort to promote his railroad interests.
[3] The Bulletin published morning, evening, and weekly editions, and claimed to be the first newspaper in the western United States to do so.
It covered the launch of Portland's streetcar system on December 9, 1872.
[3] Its contents and positions were the subject of commentary in other Oregon newspapers,[4] and it was known for its adversarial relationship with The Oregonian.
[3] Atkinson later bought an interest in the Portland Bee as it was declining in 1880.