Founded in 1860 by William Woodruff, the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette traces its roots back to the Arkansas Gazette, the oldest newspaper west of the Mississippi River. Woodruff, a printer from New York, established the paper to serve the growing population of Arkansas. Over the years, the newspaper underwent several mergers and name changes, eventually becoming the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in 2000. Today, it is owned by WEHCO Media, Inc., a family-owned company led by Walter E. Hussman Jr.The Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette covers a wide range of news topics focusing on Northwest Arkansas, including Benton, Washington, Madison, and Carroll counties. Their coverage includes local and state politics, community events, sports (with emphasis on the Arkansas Razorbacks and local high school teams), business, arts and entertainment, and lifestyle content. Based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the newspaper serves as a primary source of news for residents of Northwest Arkansas. The publication also maintains a strong online presence through NWAOnline.com, offering digital subscriptions and regularly updated content.One interesting fact: The Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette has a unique connection to American history. Its predecessor, the Arkansas Gazette, was the first newspaper to publish the text of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, which doubled the size of the United States. This historical significance underscores the newspaper's long-standing role in informing the public about pivotal events.