WHERE ARE THEY NOW? The 12 members of the 1896 Dow Jones Industrial Average (GE)
Wikimedia Commons
When the Dow Jones Industrial Average was created in 1896, it had about a dozen industrial stocks.
Apple's addition to the current list of 30 American conglomerates back in March 2015 shows just how far the index has come.
Apple took the place of AT&T, which was popularly known as American Telephone & Telegraph when it originally joined the Dow in October 1916.
This index has seen a lot of turnover in its history. And only one of the original 12 members continues to hold a spot in it.
American Cotton Oil
What it did: It formed as a trust after several mill owners in Texas and Arkansas combined syndicates to regulate the price of seeds. It became a corporation in 1889 after the trust was dissolved through a lawsuit.
Where it is now: It evolved into a company that's now part of Unilever. The original company was dropped from the Dow in 1901.
Sources: Scripophily, Wikipedia
American Sugar Company
loppear/FlickrWhat it did: It was the largest American company in the sugar refining business in the early 20th century, with investments in the Caribbean. It was established in 1891 with $50 million in capital.
Where it is now: It has since been acquired by American Sugar Refining, whose products include Domino Sugar. It was dropped from the Dow in 1930.
Source: Wikipedia
American Tobacco Company
WikimediaWhat it did: The American Tobacco Company acquired over 200 competitors to become the dominant player in the industry. It was founded in 1890.
Where it is now: The Supreme Court ordered it to dissolve following an anti-trust lawsuit. It splintered into many smaller companies and renamed itself Fortune Brands. It was dropped from the Dow in 1985.
Source: Wikipedia
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