The Journal of American History
The Mississippi Valley Historical Review began publication in 1914 as the official journal of the Mississippi Valley Historical Association. Benjamin F. Shambaugh served as its first editor from 1907 until 1914, laying the groundwork for what would become a major academic voice. The organization needed a dedicated platform to share research on regional history across the central United States. Early issues focused heavily on the development of states within the Mississippi River basin and their unique cultural trajectories. Scholars gathered at annual meetings to discuss these findings before they appeared in print. The initial editorial team prioritized primary source analysis over broad theoretical frameworks.
A significant shift occurred after the publication of the fiftieth volume in 1963. Members of the association recognized that their scholarship had expanded beyond the original geographic boundaries defined by the Mississippi Valley. This change in direction prompted a formal name change to The Journal of American History in 1964. Oscar O. Winther oversaw this transition during his tenure from 1963 to 1964. The new title reflected a broader scope that included national themes rather than just regional studies. The rebranding signaled a maturation of the field itself toward a more comprehensive understanding of American history.
Clarence W. Alvord led the journal from 1914 through 1923, guiding its early years with strict attention to archival accuracy. Lester B. Shippee took over briefly between 1923 and 1924 before Milo M. Quaife assumed control for six years starting in 1924. Arthur Charles Cole served as editor from 1930 until 1941, followed by Louis Pelzer who held the post until 1946. Wendell H. Stephenson managed operations from 1946 to 1953 while William C. Binkley edited from 1953 to 1963. Martin Ridge then directed the publication from 1966 to 1978 after Oscar O. Winther stepped down in 1966. Lewis Perry continued the tradition from 1978 to 1984, followed by Paul Lucas for a single year. David Thelen served an extended term from 1985 to 1999, shaping modern historical discourse during that period. Joanne Meyerowitz edited from 1999 to 2004, and David Nord took over briefly in 2004. Edward T. Linenthal led the journal from 2005 to 2016 before Benjamin H. Irvin began his current tenure in 2017.
The headquarters of The Journal of American History sits in Bloomington, Indiana, where it maintains close ties to the History Department at Indiana University. This physical location provides administrative support and academic resources essential for quarterly production. Staff members often hold faculty positions or research appointments within the university system. The proximity allows for seamless collaboration between editors and graduate students studying American history. Funding and logistical operations rely heavily on this institutional relationship established decades ago. The office building itself serves as a hub for visiting scholars attending regional conferences.
As the official quarterly of the Organization of American Historians, the publication has maintained its status for more than a century since 1914. It continues to serve as a primary venue for peer-reviewed articles on all aspects of American history. Members of the organization receive the journal automatically as part of their annual dues package. The publication influences teaching methods and curriculum development across universities nationwide. Its archival back issues provide researchers with over one hundred years of documented historical interpretation. The journal remains a central pillar of professional historical scholarship in the United States today.
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Common questions
When did The Journal of American History begin publication?
The Mississippi Valley Historical Review began publication in 1914 as the official journal of the Mississippi Valley Historical Association. It changed its name to The Journal of American History in 1964 after the fiftieth volume was published.
Who edited The Journal of American History from 1907 until 1914?
Benjamin F. Shambaugh served as the first editor from 1907 until 1914 and laid the groundwork for what would become a major academic voice. He oversaw the early development of the publication before it officially launched under the original title.
Why did The Journal of American History change its name in 1964?
Members of the association recognized that their scholarship had expanded beyond the original geographic boundaries defined by the Mississippi Valley. This shift prompted a formal name change to The Journal of American History in 1964 to reflect broader national themes rather than just regional studies.
Where is The Journal of American History headquartered today?
The headquarters of The Journal of American History sits in Bloomington, Indiana, where it maintains close ties to the History Department at Indiana University. This physical location provides administrative support and academic resources essential for quarterly production.
How often does The Journal of American History publish new issues?
As the official quarterly of the Organization of American Historians, the publication has maintained its status for more than a century since 1914. It continues to serve as a primary venue for peer-reviewed articles on all aspects of American history with regular quarterly releases.