Editor Kevin Max Frequency Monthly First issue Summer 2009 | Categories Regional magazine Publisher Kevin Max Company Statehood Media | |
1859 is a bi-monthly lifestyle magazine based in Bend, Oregon whose mission is to Live Think Explore. Named for Oregon's year of statehood, the publication was established in Bend, Oregon in the summer of 2009, largely the brainchild of Kevin Max and Heather Johnson.
Contents
Launch
1859 is run by a small staff in Bend, Oregon. Kevin Max is the chief content officer.
Kevin Max was a former editor of Bend Living magazine, a publication which fell victim to the Late-2000s recession. Max contrasted the two projects in the New York Times by noting that while Bend Living revolved around the theme of "Bend’s emergence into 24-7, go-go-go, irresponsible construction and people living beyond their means," the new publication would be more general, dealing with the entire state of Oregon and keying on the issue of sustainability.
Despite the difficult economic situation prevalent at the time of its 2009 launch — a moment at which American magazines were experiencing a 26% decline in ad revenue over previous-year figures — 1859 experienced initial success powered by its placement in Borders Books, Barnes & Noble, and the grocery chain Whole Foods. The magazine's debut issue saw a total of 30,000 copies produced.
Content
1859 relies upon freelance writers and photographers for a majority of its content. Other regular content features are produced by members of the publication's staff.
The magazine covers stories dealing with the length and breadth of the state of Oregon, from the Pacific Coast to high desert of Eastern Oregon. The magazine deals with both geographical and biographical material, including both contemporary and historical content. The publication has been characterized as "a National Geographic for the state of Oregon."
The publication touts Oregon for "a wealth of recreational, ecological, historical and entrepreneurial intrigue," including residents who are "pioneers in the sustainable movement, bike geeks and techies, Native Americans and cowboys, financiers and vintners."
Sustainability philosophy
1859 magazine has been outspoken in its promotion of the concept of sustainability, making use of soy-based ink, and supporting Oregon wildlife protection by means of a campaign through which half of the magazine's subscription price was targeted to the conservation group Oregon Wild.
Honors
In April 2011, 1859 was nominated for a Maggie Award in the category "Best New Quarterly Magazine" by the Maggie Awards Committee of the Western Publishing Association in Los Angeles. The nomination, based upon inspection of publication's Autumn 2010 issue, was based upon ten specific editorial aspects involving cover design, layout, typography, and editorial content.