Golden Age of Inorganics

(1897-1920)

An Industry Pioneer and Fearless Entrepreneur


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.

“From H.H. Dow, there was a new
idea every morning.”

– 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.