It is the second-oldest paper in Texas and the oldest west of the Colorado River,[2] dating back to May 8, 1846, following the Battle of Palo Alto during the Mexican War.
The paper was founded in 1846 by publishers John D. Logan and Thomas Sterne of Van Buren, Arkansas, as a weekly publication named the Texan Advocate.
In 1859, it was bought by Sam Addison White, who renamed the paper The Victoria Advocate and aligned it with the Democratic Party.
As the city of Victoria grew in the latter part of the 19th century, the paper acted as a medium for citizens to voice their concerns for the changes.
He shared ownership with his son, John M. Roberts, who serves as Chairman and daughter Catherine R. McHaney, who is secretary-treasurer.