Can you believe that there are products still made in the USA today, that were made here before the United States of America even existed? The oldest American made products are treasures of our manufacturing history and a testament to American made quality. The editors at USA Love List went on the hunt for companies that have manufactured their products in America for over one hundred years. Some have been around even longer!
The Oldest American Made Products
Caswell-Massey personal care products have been American made for 262 years. Cologne Number 6 was a favorite of George Washington.
Crane & Co, a manufacturer of fine stationery, was founded in 1770. Since 1879 Crane & Co. has supplied the United States Treasury with its currency paper.
Laird & Company became the first licensed distillery in America in 1780. Abraham Lincoln served Applejacks ‘cider spirits' at a tavern he co-owned in Illinois.
King Arthur Flour, known today for its flours and baking mixes, was founded in 1790.
Jacob Bromwell was founded in 1818 as a manufacturer of brushes, and wire-goods. Today Jacob Bromwell is located in Indiana and still going strong.
Libbey Glass Company was originally founded in 1818 under the name ‘New England Glass Company'. In 1888 the founder's son moved the company to Toledo, Ohio (where it remains today) and changed the name to Libbey Glass Company.
Brinly-Hardy has been manufacturing high quality lawn care products in Indiana since 1839.
Annin Flagmakers, the oldest flag maker in the United States, has been in business since 1847. According to law, a new American flag was issued on the July 4th after a state joined the Union. In 1847 there were 29 states.
Wilson Bohannan Lock Company was founded in 1860 in Brooklyn, New York. Today the padlock manufacturing company is still owned by the same family, but now calls Marion, Ohio home.
Auburn Leather Company has been crafting quality leather for five generations in Kentucky- since 1863.
Arm & Hammer baking soda products have been owned by the same company, Church & Dwight, since 1867.
Bollman Hat Company, America's oldest hat maker (since 1868), still manufactures felt, straw, hats & caps in Adamstown, Pennsylvania.
McIlhenny Co. Tabasco brand hot sauce has been made on Avery Island, Louisiana since 1868. Today you can visit the island and tour the Tabasco factory.
H.J. Heinz Company, known better as simply Heinz, was founded in 1869 as a maker of sauces and pickles. Today Heinz manufactures thousands of food products, but not all of these products are manufactured in the US.
Homer Laughlin China Co. was started in 1873 by two brothers, Homer and Shakespeare Laughlin. Today, Homer Laughlin China Co manufactures the timeless Fiesta dinnerware collection in West Virginia where you can even tour the factory.
Hendrick Manufacturing, founded in 1876, is a leading manufacturer of perforated and fabricated metal products for commercial and industrial uses.
Palmer Candy Company began in 1878 as a wholesale grocery and fruit company. In the early 1900, the Palmers started making bulk and hard candy. Today, Palmer's Candies chocolate and holiday confections are still an American favorite.
Hickey Freeman. Founded in Rochester, NY in 1899, Hickey Freeman has been making fine menswear and suits for over 120 years. The company supports returning American veterans through a paid internship and job training program.
Hardwick Clothing, founded in 1880, is the oldest, privately held apparel manufacturer in America.
Council Tool has been manufacturing high quality hand tools in the USA since 1886. The steel and hickory used to make these hand tools are both sourced in the US.
1888 Mills is still making towels in America since it was founded in, well, 1888. Some 1888 towels are made from cotton sourced from other countries, but all of the towels are woven in the USA.
W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company, manufacturer of handcrafted, heirloom quality knives, has been in business in Pennsylvania since 1889.
Narragansett Beer was the number one beer in New England from it's founding in 1890 to the 1970s. Today, Narragansett Beer is still American made and is working hard to get that top spot back. The Del's Shandy is mighty tasty!
20 Mule Team Borax, a brand of natural laundry booster, was founded in 1891.
Goetze's Candy Company, maker of Cow Tales and Caramel Creams (formerly know as Bull's Eyes) candies, has been making sweet treats in Baltimore, Maryland since 1895.
Rosebud Perfume Co. was founded in 1895 and still manufactures balms and salves in Maryland from original recipes, like the world famous Smith's Rosebud Salve.
Libman Company, know today for it's mops and cleaning tools, is still family owned and has been manufacturing traditional corn brooms in the USA since 1896.
Lodge is the oldest continuous manufacturer of cookware in America. Founded in 1896, Lodge has proven that cast iron cookware is timeless.
Gimbals has been fine making gourmet candies in San Francisco since 1898.
Idaho Candy Co. was founded in 1901 and is still making classic candy in the factory that was built in 1909.
Warther Cutlery 100% American made knives have been handcrafted in Dover, Ohio since 1902.
Stormy Kromer hats have been handcrafted in the USA since 1903.
Moore Push Pin Co. was incorporated in 1904 as a manufacturer of push pins, map tacks and wall tacks.
Anchor Hocking Company glassware products have been manufactured in the USA since 1905.
ACME Smoked Fish has been offering smoked fish and herring, made in Brooklyn, since 1906.
Murphy Oil Soap, which best known as a wood cleaner, has been made in Ohio since the early 1900s.
Madame C.J. Walker Mfg. Co. was incorporated in 1911 as a manufacturer of scalp and hair care products for African American women. Company founder and product inventor Sarah Breedlove, also known as Madame C.J. Walker, became the first female self made millionairess in America.
L.C. King Manufacturing Co., maker of Pointer Brand work wear, has been around since 1913 and is the oldest family owned cut & sew factory in the USA.
American Popcorn Company, founded in 1914, is the oldest popcorn company in America. You have probably heard of their only brand before, it's Jolly Time.
Do you have a long-time favorite you'd like to share? Add them in the comments below!
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D. G. Yuengling & Son is the oldest operating brewing company in the United States, established in 1829. It is one of the largest breweries by volume in the country. Its headquarters are in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. Yuengling operates two Pennsylvania facilities and a brewery in Tampa, Florida.
Yuengling is pronounced ying-ling, and is an Anglicized version of Jüngling, its founder’s surname and the German term for “young man”.
The family-owned brewery has traditionally changed ownership through the purchase of the company by the offspring of the previous owner. The company has persevered for generations, spanning over 190 years, and has been continuously family-owned and operated since 1829.
“America’s Oldest Brewery” http://www.Yuengling.com
I’m interested, not so much in he companies, but in products that were designed over a century ago that are still being made without significant alteration. For example,Duluth Pack has been producing their #2 canoe pack since 1882 and Brunton has been making their pocket transit since 1894.
To add to a previous comment; Channellock may have its roots in the 19th century but its name and eponymous pliers design only go back to 1934 so itś not really older than Zippo. (Good, stable, time tested, designs, though, both of them).
H. Gerstner & Sons
Fine Wood chests and cases since 1906
https://gerstnerusa.com
I stumbled on this site and I’m thrilled to find that so many USA companies have kept going all these years!! What a wonderful country and people! We’ve been blessed by God!
FYI: Idaho Candy company website is http://www.idahospud.com. The link connected redirects to amazon and it is not there.
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McNess products have been around since 1908 and still manufactured in the US. As a side note, they have been working with the company that manufactures their tins for a long time: JL Clark has been in that business since 1904.
Lamson and Goodnow Cutlery, est. 1837
Steinway Pianos in NYC since 1853!!
Procter & Gamble – has been manufacturing in the US since being founded in Cincinnati in 1837. Just celebrated their 181st anniversary last week.
In 1866, Flint & Walling began operations on the corner of Mitchell and Oak streets in Kendallville, Indiana. When first established, F&W built hand-operated water pumps and the Flint & Walling windmill, a revolutionary product that quickly spanned the globe.
Today, the Flint & Walling product line includes submersible pumps, centrifugal pumps, jet pumps and booster pumps for home, farm and industry. Specialty items include city pressure booster pumps and fountain pond pumps. In addition, Flint & Walling is the only United States pump company to manufacture its own 4 inch submersible motors, jet pump motors and centrifugal pump motors. A complete selection of controls and control packages rounds out this line of products for the water industry.
The company employs, on average, a work force of approximately 150, several of whom are third and fourth generation employees.
In 2016, F&W celebrated 150 years in the water systems industry at the company’s original location. Flint & Walling – Family owned and American proud.
American Excelsior Company is celebrating 130 years in 2018.
Peterboro Baskets since 1854
Brown & Hale candy, Tacoma WA is over 100 years old and makes the famous Almond Roca products.
Time for 60 Minutes to do a feature on these wonderful companies. #ShopUSA. #AmericanMade
Sly Inc in Strongsville, Ohio was started in 1874 in Cleveland, OH.
Privately owned family owned and is currently run by family members.
Still going strong after 143 years.!
This is good to know! My favorite, so far, is King Arthur Flour. I love their products, their cookbooks, and they are a nice company to order from. I didn’t know it was one of the oldest!
I like the door handles!
what about Martin Guitars since 1833?
I had no idea that King Arthur Flour was that old! Of course, I’ve used it. This is a pretty impressive list.
I had no idea that Caswell and Massey ‘s Cologne Number 6 was a favorite of George Washington. How cool!!!
What a great site! But you’re missing one…. Channellock, Inc. located in Meadville, Pennsylvania since 1886. Still family owned and operated. Over 350 employees still manufacture the high-quality pliers and assorted hand tools that are the preferred choice of professionals and serious DIYers.
The Kirby Company… Cleveland Ohio since 1914……..100% American made.
Remington Arms began in 1816.
Colt began in 1836 and Smith & Wesson began in 1858 and Winchester began in 1866. 🙂
What about “Sterno”?
Glad to see that much of the stuff that I buy is made in the USA great information thanks
I heard of some companies listed above and others I never heard of until now. Thanks for sharing the information about the USA companies.
Wouldn’t Copenhagen snuff be considered?. …they started in 1822!
Wells Fargo. Starting as a freight hauler, formed 18 March 1852, with principals from The Pony Express (St. Joseph, MO).
PECK, STOW & WILCOX; also known as PEXTO. Sheet-metal working tool manufacturer since 1765.
This list left off a company I work for that has been in business since the 1860s in Connecticut and 1896 in Indiana (they joined together back in the 1970s). Emery Winslow Scale Company.
Can you include links directly to the company instead of to Amazon? It’s so much better for the company and its community for folks to purchase directly.
Kingsford charcoal, tabasco, and Ford trucks. Made in America baby!!!
The TEDCO Gyroscope toy turns 100 in 2017. Originally made by Chandler Co. of Indianapolis the gyroscope is one of America’s oldest and famous toys. Still manufactured 100% in the USA and sold in dozens of countries around the globe.
Nice to know there are so many and they are still around.
Yes, that is really a good thing to know.
Tracey, Just to let you know. Hendrick Manufacturing based in Carbondale, PA was founded by Eli Hendrick in 1876. It is still family owned today and is celebrating its 140 year. Hendrick manufactures perforated steel and wire products for several industries and architectural applications
Thanks Mike! I added Hendrick Manufacturing to our list!
Guess products like Coca-Cola, Ford, etc started her in USA but are now manufactured all over the place; Levi Jeans and Harley-Davidson also come to mind.
Coca Cola manufactures what we consume in the USA. They have bottling plants all over the world for their world market.
Wilson Bohannan Padlock Company is in its 7th generation of family ownership and has been operating in the United States since 1860. They manufacture brass keyed padlocks and are 100% American made. The company began in Brooklyn, New York by Mr. Wilson Bohannan and is now in Marion, Ohio now owned by his great-great-great granddaughters.
http://www.padlocks.com
Thanks Sarah! I added Wilson Bohannan Locks to our list!
Great list ! I truly respect companies that never let greed change their business ethics. Shows loyalty & care for their employees and regional economy. So many US business’s that moved mfg to China are now trying to quietly slip back into the US and ride the Made in America wave so lists like these are so important! I am in the furniture business and the economic destruction that occurred when all the North Carolina furniture business’s went offshore was incredible. Thankfully states like Vermont have a fair number of furniture makers and they would never consider manufacturing anywhere but here.
I honestly had no idea there were so many. It’s surprising but nice!
It’s pretty cool to see all these companies that have been around for 100 years. My Dad drank Narragansett Beer!!
Wow didn’t know about these companies! Thanks for sharing! Can’t believe King Arthur Flour has been around for so long! Founded in 1790!
Tiffany, Have you been to King Arthur Flours flagship store in Vermont? Amazing!
Tiffany, Have you been to King Arthur Flours flagship store in Vermont? Amazing!
Homer Laughlin has made dishes and Fiesta ware in the US for well over 100 years!
Thanks for the suggestion! Homer Laughlin has been added 🙂
Libbey glassware, Toledo, Ohio
Thank you Kathy!
Crane stationery is some of the best!
https://www.palmercandy.com/about-palmer/our-history/
Thanks Jennifer! I added Palmer Candy Company 🙂
Palmer candy company – still family owned in Sioux City, IA. You can find Palmer candy everywhere!
Zippo manufacturing
The Zippo Manufacturing Company was founded in 1932. Remind me in 16 years 🙂
Idaho Candy Co. (AKA Owyhee Candy Co.) – Home to the famous Idaho Spud, Cherry Cordial, Huckleberry Gem and Owyhee Butter Toffee – Founded 1901 – Same factory location in Boise, ID since 1909.
http://www.idahospud.com/index.html
For shoes, Quoddy of Maine.
And isn’t Filson also USA made?
yuengling Brewing Co. Is America’s oldest brewrey founded in 1829
W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co., Bradford, Pa. Don’t forget them!
Thanks! I’m working on an updated and I added them!
Case Knives since 1889!
Thank you Todd! I added Case knives to the updated post.
Sherwin Williams Co….In 2016 they will be 150 year old USA company.
They do make paint overseas for overseas sales…But all paint that is sold in USA is made in USA and has been for 150 years.
Council Tool. 1886.
Thanks for the tips Vaughn! I added your suggestions to the updated list.
Moore Push-Pin Co. Since 1900. Inventors of the aluminum push-pin. None finer.
L.C. King. Pointer Brand, since 1913.
Mcilhenny tobasco sauce was started in 1868, it should have been in the top 10
Sorry, Tabasco sauce
Thanks Lee! I added Tabasco sauce to the updated list 🙂
Tracey you took a very nice picture, Thought I would comment on that!
Keep Americans working and the money at home by buying Made in America when you buy!
Great post! Some of these companies have been around for a very long time. Thank you so much for this information.
Wow – the only company that I’ve been aware of and use their products is King Arthur Flour! I would love to see a post about each of these companies, and try to give them some biz!
I am ashamed and embarrassed to say that I was only aware of two of them. But not anymore! Thanks for the heads up!
Those are all great products!
Great post. Some of these kind of surprised me.
Baking Products Industry – Flowers Foods now owns Wonder Bread
Traulsen Regeneration Still made in America the company moved from Queens, New York to Arlington Texas