These Are America's Oldest Companies
Friday, Apr 18, 2025 - 05:55 AM
Did you know that over one in five U.S. companies fail in their first year?
Despite this brutal statistic, a rare few have stood the test of time, not just for decades, but for centuries.
In this infographic, Visual Capitalist's Marcus Lu takes a look at America’s oldest companies founded in the 1700s. For context, this timeline also includes a selection of younger companies that are widely known.
All of these businesses have survived economic upheavals, wars, and technological revolutions, making their longevity even more impressive.
Let’s take a closer look at some of their histories.
Jim Beam: A Legacy in American Whiskey
Founded in 1795 by Jacob Beam in Kentucky, Jim Beam is one of America’s oldest and most iconic whiskey distilleries.
Initially named Old Jake Beam Sour Mash, the brand survived Prohibition by temporarily ceasing production and then swiftly restarted in 1933—just 120 days after repeal.
In 2014, the company was acquired by Japanese distiller, Suntory, for $16 billion, leading to the formation of Beam Suntory.
more:
https://www.zerohedge.com/economics/these-are-americas-oldest-companies