Founded in 1841 and published in Elkton, MD, the Cecil Whig chronicled the daily life of a community while also reporting the great issues of the day. The Whig covered local politics and government, but its pages also preserve a snapshot of the society and culture of the time. Major events, such as the Civil War, received prominent coverage. Equally important to its editors and readers was local business news and the economic impact of new developments such as the arrival of the railroad.