The Bangor Independent
A community newspaper born in 1887, published continuously for 83 years, and revived in 2026 — still free, still independent, still serving the Village of Bangor, Wisconsin.
Business advertisement for the Bangor Independent, R.W. Davis, editor and publisher — December 6, 1895
Courtesy of the Bangor and Area Historical Society
Our History
The Bangor Independent was founded around 1887 by J.A. Haines as a weekly newspaper serving the Village of Bangor and the surrounding Monroe County community. The earliest confirmed surviving issue — Vol. 2, No. 4 — is dated December 1, 1888, and is catalogued by the Library of Congress.
Under the editorship of R.W. Davis in the 1890s, the paper thrived as a voice of Bangor’s commercial and community life. Its pages carried advertisements from the town’s bustling businesses — Bosshard Roller Mills, Evans & Dowe Clothing, the Bangor Woolen Mills, the Hussa Brewery, local hotels, pharmacies, and livery barns — painting a vivid picture of a small Wisconsin town in its prime.
The Independent published continuously for 83 years before merging with the West Salem Journal in July 1970 to form the La Crosse County Countryman. Historical copies and clippings are preserved by the La Crosse County Historical Society and the Bangor and Area Historical Society.
In 2026, The Bangor Independent was revived as a free digital community news site — carrying forward the same mission that J.A. Haines began nearly 140 years ago.
Timeline
The Bangor Independent is founded by J.A. Haines as a weekly newspaper serving the Village of Bangor and Monroe County.
Vol. 2, No. 4 published December 1 — the earliest confirmed surviving issue, now held by the Library of Congress.
R.W. Davis takes over as editor and publisher. The paper thrives, carrying advertisements from dozens of local Bangor businesses.
The Independent publishes advertisements from Bangor's bustling commercial district — lumber yards, clothing stores, hotels, pharmacies, creameries, and breweries.
After 83 years of continuous publication, the Bangor Independent merges with the West Salem Journal to form the La Crosse County Countryman in July 1970.
The Bangor Independent is revived as a free digital community news site — carrying forward the same mission of keeping Bangor residents informed and connected.
Our Mission
The Bangor Independent exists to ensure every resident of Bangor — whether or not they use social media — has access to the news, events, and community conversations that matter to their daily life. We are free, independent, and community-supported.
Advertisements from the Original Independent
These advertisements appeared in the pages of The Bangor Independent between 1891 and 1900. Images courtesy of the Bangor and Area Historical Society.
Ad for Bosshard Roller Mills — August 20, 1891
Ad for Evans & Dowe Clothing Store — January 22, 1892
Ad for E.R. Roberts Lumber — January 28, 1892
Ad for Concordia Hall Ball — February 9, 1894
Ad for Bangor Woolen Mills — June 19, 1896
Ad for R.W. Bowen Bikes — May 21, 1897
Ad for Bangor Creamery Separator — December 13, 1895
Ad for Hussa Beer — August 6, 1897
View the full collection at historicbangor.com
Get Involved
The Bangor Independent is only as good as its community. Submit news, share events, or list your business — every contribution makes this a better resource for your neighbors.