A Brief History of the Tidewater Review

The Tidewater Review newspaper is an award-winning growing weekly newspaper located in West Point, Virginia. First published in 1889 as the Plain Dealer by Rev. C.L. Morrison, the Tidewater Review is proud to provide continuous coverage of news in the counties of King William, New Kent, King & Queen, and the Town of West Point.

Although the name has changed over time, the Tidewater Review’s dedication to the areas it serves and its goal of providing quality, community journalism remains the same. The May 1, 1903 fire that destroyed most of West Point’s business district claimed the newspaper office as well. Still, the newspaper never missed a week of publication. Later in the year the plant was rebuilt with the installation of the first linotype and power press to be put into operation in West Point.

In 1928 the newspaper was renamed the Tidewater Review and has continued as such under several different owners and editors. Robin Lawson was named editor in 1998.

In 2001 the Daily Press Inc., a subsidiary of Tribune Co., bought the entire Virginia division of Chesapeake Publishing, which included the Tidewater Review and the Virginia Gazette in Williamsburg, and pledged to preserve the competitive spirit of news and advertising between the newspapers. Under Daily Press ownership, improvements in technology and printing enhanced the look of the paper, including wider application of color. Internal improvements extended throughout all departments to improve workflow and productivity.

The Weekly News seen above became The Tidewater Review in 1928	The Tidewater Review has been the source for local news since before WWII.