In 1897, The Dow Chemical Company began as a one-product start-up founded by H.H. Dow, an industry pioneer. Dow was an electrochemical pioneer whose first commercial success came in 1891 when he used electric current to separate bromides from brine.
He started three companies. His first company went bankrupt, the second ousted him from control, and the third, The Dow Chemical Company, struggled to survive after its founding in Midland, Michigan. His indomitable optimism helped him persevere against those who nicknamed him “Crazy Dow.” More than a century later, Dow’s “do it better” spirit lives on in the company he founded.
– Tom Griswold, first head of Dow’s patent department
1897 |
The Dow Chemical Company is founded. |
1898 |
Dow’s first commercial-scale production of bleach begins. |
1900 |
Midland Chemical Company merges into Dow. |
1906 |
Dow produces its first agricultural product. |
1908 |
The agricultural chemicals division is established based on a spray for fruit trees. |
1913 |
H.H. Dow announces the company will exit the bleach business. The focus shifts to the value of chlorine as a raw material. |
1916 |
Dow first markets calcium chloride, magnesium metal and acetylsalicylic acid. |
1918 |
The company adopts its diamond trademark. |