The Ellsworth American

The Ellsworth American is a locally owned and managed weekly newspaper serving Hancock County, Maine. Publication began Oct. 17, 1851, making The American the oldest newspaper in Hancock County and the second oldest in Maine. Newspaper publishing in Ellsworth began in 1826 with the Independent Courier, which was the first of roughly five papers with various political bents that existed for short periods until 1851. The newspaper has won numerous awards and distinctions from state, New England and national newspaper associations in recognition of news coverage, photography, editorial pages, advertising layouts and general excellence. The paper has received numerous awards from the Maine Press Association and New England Newspaper & Press Association. ==Awards and recognition==

The Ellsworth American has received the coveted National Newspaper Association General Excellence Award, placing second in the competition. Its sister paper The Mount Desert Islander won a first place award for public notice advertising in the National Newspaper Association Better Newspaper Advertising Contest. ==Publication==

The newspaper, which has a Thursday dateline, is printed each Wednesday afternoon and is available on newsstands throughout Hancock and western Washington counties and the Bangor/Brewer area of Penobscot County. Print subscriptions are mailed nationwide and fully searchable digital subscriptions have been available since 2009. The Americans website, ellsworthamerican.com, is updated daily. ==Staff==

The Ellsworth American and its sister paper The Mount Desert Islander in 2012 employed a combined staff of 55. Departments include news, advertising, internet, circulation, administration, accounting, creative services and the press and mail room. The administrative staff includes General Manager Kathy Cook and Managing Editor Cyndi Wood. ==History==

The Ellsworth American began as The Ellsworth Herald on Oct. 17, 1851. It was founded by Bangor men Elijah Couillard and W.B. Hilton. Wiggins transformed the small-town weekly into an award-winning and nationally recognized publication. Upon retiring as ambassador, Wiggins took over operations in 1969. Baker was also inducted into the Maine Press Association Hall of Fame in October 2017. In 2018, Baker sold The American and Islander to Reade Brower. In 2025, the paper shuttered it's printing press in Ellsworth and eliminated 10 full-time and part-time jobs. ==References==