The Sioux City Journal was founded as a weekly newspaper on August 20, 1864 by Samuel Tait Davis (1828–1900) and others who wanted a strong local voice for the Union Party and the re-election of Abraham Lincoln.

[4][5] George and Henry Perkins bought the Sioux City Weekly Journal in 1869, and within a year converted it to a daily newspaper.

Housing the paper's editorial, reporting, circulation, advertising sales, and printing operations, the building was ready for occupancy in 1915.

One of his accomplishments was purchasing in 1941 the Journal's primary competitor, the erstwhile pro-Democratic Sioux City Tribune.

[8] By 1972, the elegant building designed by William L. Steele was no longer meeting the paper's needs, and a new plant was built east of downtown at Sixth and Pavonia Streets.

[9][10] On December 14, 1972, the Journal-Tribune Publishing Co. was purchased by Hagadone Corp. of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and Howard Publications of Oceanside, California.