In the fast-paced world of startups and innovation, it’s easy to forget that some businesses have been around for centuries. These oldest American companies offer more than just products or services—they represent the resilience, adaptability, and legacy of American entrepreneurship.
In this article, we’ll explore the oldest companies in America still in business, the industries they pioneered, and the secrets behind their longevity.
What Defines an “Old” American Company?
For this article, we define “old” as a company that:
- Was founded before or during the 19th century
- Has operated continuously (with reasonable interruptions)
- Maintains either its original business name, core function, or lineage
Some companies may have rebranded, merged, or been acquired—but their core identity and operational legacy remain intact.
Top 10 Oldest American Companies Still Operating
Here are the most well-documented and widely recognized oldest businesses in America:
Shirley Plantation (Founded 1613)
Charles City, Virginia
Industry: Agriculture / Tourism
Originally established as a tobacco plantation, Shirley Plantation is America’s oldest family-owned business. Today, it operates as a working farm and historic tourist site, showcasing early American life.
Caswell-Massey (Founded 1752)
Newport, Rhode Island
Industry: Personal Care / Apothecary
America’s original apothecary brand, Caswell-Massey was once favored by George Washington and JFK. Known for luxurious soaps and fragrances, the brand still sells products today under its original name.
The Hartford Courant (Founded 1764)
Hartford, Connecticut
Industry: Publishing / News Media
The oldest continuously published newspaper in America, The Hartford Courant began 11 years before the U.S. declared independence. It’s still in circulation today, both in print and online.
Baker’s Chocolate (Founded 1765)
Dorchester, Massachusetts
Industry: Food / Confectionery
Founded by Dr. James Baker and John Hannon, this chocolate company is now owned by Kraft Heinz. Baker’s Chocolate helped popularize cocoa products in early America.
Bowne & Co. (Founded 1775)
New York, New York
Industry: Printing / Finance
A once-critical printer for Wall Street documents and financial paperwork, Bowne is now part of RR Donnelley, maintaining its historical identity within the print and communications industry.
Cigna (Founded 1792)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Industry: Insurance
Originally called the Insurance Company of North America, Cigna has evolved into a global health service organization with roots in 18th-century marine insurance.
Jim Beam (Founded 1795)
Clermont, Kentucky
Industry: Distillery / Beverage
The Beam family began distilling bourbon in the late 1700s, and the brand has become one of the world’s best-known names in whiskey. Despite Prohibition, they returned strong in 1933.
Colt’s Manufacturing Company (Founded 1836)
Hartford, Connecticut
Industry: Firearms
Samuel Colt’s revolver changed warfare, and Colt Firearms remains one of America’s most iconic manufacturers. The brand continues to serve law enforcement and military markets.
HarperCollins (Harper & Brothers, Founded 1817)
New York, New York
Industry: Publishing
Starting as Harper & Brothers, this publishing house has printed works from Herman Melville to today’s bestsellers. Now owned by News Corp, it continues its legacy.
JP Morgan Chase (Bank of Manhattan Company, Founded 1799)
New York, New York
Industry: Banking / Finance
Founded by Aaron Burr as The Manhattan Company, it is a foundational component of what we now know as JPMorgan Chase, one of the largest financial institutions in the world.
Industries That Dominated Early American Enterprise
The oldest companies in America emerged from a few dominant sectors:
| Industry | Examples |
| Agriculture | Shirley Plantation |
| Publishing | Hartford Courant, Harper |
| Personal Care | Caswell-Massey |
| Finance & Insurance | JPMorgan Chase, Cigna |
| Distilling & Food | Jim Beam, Baker’s Chocolate |
These industries offered essential goods and services, helping these companies stay relevant through revolutions, recessions, and wars.
What Makes These Companies So Resilient?
Here are common traits among the longest-standing businesses:
- Adaptability – They evolved with technology and consumer needs
- Brand Legacy – Historical value became a branding asset
- Niche Focus – Many served unique, unchanging demands
- Family Ownership or Stewardship – Generational knowledge kept them stable
- Quality & Trust – Customers stayed loyal over centuries
These businesses show that long-term success is built on stability, service, and innovation.
Why Search for the Oldest American Companies?
Educational Value
Great for students, historians, and researchers studying early American commerce.
Entrepreneurial Inspiration
If these companies can survive 200+ years, modern startups can learn from their principles.
Heritage Tourism
Many of these businesses, like Shirley Plantation or Caswell-Massey, are historic landmarks.
Brand Credibility
Legacy adds trust. Brands like Jim Beam and JP Morgan leverage history in marketing.
Conclusion
From soap makers and distillers to publishers and plantations, the oldest American companies have left a profound mark on the country’s economy and culture. They have weathered wars, market crashes, pandemics, and technology shifts—yet they continue to thrive.
Their secret? A commitment to innovation, relevance, and quality, generation after generation.
Whether you’re a curious historian, a student of entrepreneurship, or simply fascinated by legacy, the stories of these companies offer timeless lessons in resilience.
FAQs
1. What is the oldest company in the United States?
The Shirley Plantation, founded in 1613, is considered the oldest continuously operated business in America.
2. Are these companies still operating under the same ownership?
Some are family-owned (like Shirley Plantation), while others have been acquired but maintain their original identity (like Baker’s Chocolate).
3. How did these businesses survive historical disruptions like the Civil War or Great Depression?
By adapting products, updating business models, and staying relevant to customer needs.
4. Do these old companies still use their original branding?
Many modernize their logos or marketing, but some (like Caswell-Massey) still honor their original heritage in branding.
5. Where can I find a full list of the oldest U.S. businesses?
Online business registries, local historical societies, and websites like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce or American Business History Center maintain detailed archives.
Also read: Corporate Number: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Use It
