1877
Founded by independent-minded Democrat Stilson Hutchins, The Washington Post began publishing on Thursday, December 6. It was printed at 914 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., and had a circulation of 10,000. The newspaper contained four pages and cost three cents a copy.

1880
The Post published its first Sunday edition. Joseph Pulitzer wrote for The Post when he was temporarily in Washington, and the then relatively unknown Theodore Roosevelt contributed a series of western stories to The Post that appeared without his byline.

1888
Hutchins purchased the Daily Republican, at that time The Post's sole morning competition, and launched The Evening Post in the only attempt ever made by The Post to publish an afternoon edition.

1889
On June 15, at an essay awards ceremony on the mall, United States Marine Band leader John Philip Sousa introduced "The Washington Post March," which he wrote especially for the newspaper. It became a popular hit and is still a marching band favorite today.

1889
Hutchins sold The Post to Frank Hatton, a Republican Cabinet member, and Beriah Wilkins, a former Democratic congressman.

1893
Hatton and Wilkins moved The Post to a new building at 1335 E Street, N.W., next to the National Theatre.