WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (FEB. 11, 2025) — Elected officials and business and community leaders joined representatives of the Reynolds American organization (Reynolds) today to mark the 150th anniversary of the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company with the unveiling of a historic marker at the site of “The Little Red Factory,” the original production facility where Richard Joshua (R.J.) Reynolds started the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company in 1875. The Little Red Factory was located near what today is 111 North Chestnut Street in downtown Winston-Salem.
To acknowledge this significant milestone, Winston-Salem Mayor Joines issued a proclamation declaring February 11, 2025, as Reynolds 150th Celebration Day in Winston-Salem. This recognition celebrates the organization’s long-standing presence and contributions to the local community, Triad region, and the state of North Carolina.
“This humbling distinction fills us with enormous pride, and it would not have been possible without generations of outstanding employees and the support of this community.” said David Waterfield, President and CEO of Reynolds American Inc. “Reynolds’ journey is deeply intertwined with the city of Winston-Salem, and this anniversary is a special moment for our organization.”
Reynolds officials said the organization would recognize the 150th milestone for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, its largest operating company, throughout 2025. Today, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company is one of only 12 Consumer Packaged Goods companies operating in the U.S. that are 150 years or older and part of a publicly traded organization.
“The site of the first R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company factory is an important part of the beginning of Winston-Salem since it marks the birthplace of one of the most significant businesses in the city’s history,” said Mayor Joines, who could not attend the event in person. “R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company played a critical role in fueling the growth of Winston-Salem and putting the city on a path to becoming the vibrant community that we all enjoy today.”
“The significance of R.J. Reynolds and his wife Katharine to the history of Winston-Salem cannot be overstated,” Joines added. “When R.J. arrived in Winston in 1875, the town’s population stood at around 400, and today Winston-Salem is home to 254,000 residents.”
By early adulthood, R.J. Reynolds knew he wanted to start his own tobacco factory and decided to purchase land in Winston, given its access to the railroad. He purchased a 100-foot lot bordered by today’s Depot and Chestnut Street to construct a factory in Winston.
In the spring of 1875, R.J. Reynolds began manufacturing tobacco in the 4,500-square-foot factory constructed on the site. The factory, which was painted a distinctive bright red, became known as The Little Red Factory. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company was officially incorporated in North Carolina on February 11, 1890, a date Reynolds officials selected for today’s celebration.
Click here to see more photos of the event. Click here to learn more about 150 years of Reynolds American.
