A Timeline of Reynolds’ 150-Year History
150 Years!
This year, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company turns 150, dating back to the founding of the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company in 1875. From humble beginnings, through soaring success, over countless hurdles and on toward a bright future, these are some of the milestones of our organization’s first 150 years.
July 20, 1850
Richard Joshua “R.J.” Reynolds was born in Patrick County, Virginia to Nancy Jane Cox Reynolds and Hardin William Reynolds, a successful tobacco farmer and manufacturer.
R.J. Reynolds was one of 16 children and the second oldest son.
Fall of 1874
At 24, R.J. Reynolds sold his interest in the family tobacco business to his father and left Patrick County to start his own tobacco company.
Some say he came to North Carolina on horseback while others think he drove in a buggy or carriage; it makes little difference because his mind was perhaps occupied with the advantages of a means of transportation more rapid than either – railroad.
Throughout most of the 1870’s Winston’s population reputedly stood at 400 to 500 people.
October 19, 1874
R.J. Reynolds purchased a hundred-foot lot on “Depot Street” that extended westward to Chestnut Street for $388.50 and built the “Little Red Factory”, a two-story building that covered less area than a tennis court.
Spring 1875
R.J. Reynolds began his tobacco business manufacturing chewing plug and twist in the 4,500 square foot factory. In 1875, he produced 150,000 pounds of chewing tobacco.
Three manufacturers in Winston were already producing tobacco in 1875.
Between 1875 – 1887 R.J. Reynolds continually expanded his operations and footprint in Winston quickly distinguishing himself among the many other tobacco manufacturers due to his business acumen and innovative techniques, so much so that he was referred to in local newspapers as “R.J.R.”
1886
Due to the common use of his initials, Richard Joshua “R.J.” Reynolds registered “R.J.R” as a trademark.
February 11, 1890
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company was officially incorporated in North Carolina.
R.J. Reynolds was named President and his brother, Will Neal Reynolds, was named Vice President.
1890s
Women played an important role in the history of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, and it’s noted that “Miss Boogs” was the earliest female with the role of Amanuensis, scribing what others dictated into writing.
1891
Simon Atkins was seeking assistance to establish an African American college, and with no support from the committee of the Board of Trade, R.J. Reynolds personally contributed the needed $500 to establish The Slater Industrial and State Normal School (now Winston-Salem State University). The school was incorporated on September 28, 1892.
1892
“THE tobacco factory of the South” factory number 256 opened as the largest plug factory in the state complete with steam power, electric lights, and sprinkler system to guard against fire hazards. This “mammoth” modern factory stood six stories high and had a working capacity of 900 hands.
1892
In 1892, Rufus Tucker Stedman was traveling for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, but he also worked in the main office.
On June 6, 1893, the first dedicated salesman, J.W. Young, was hired.
November 11, 1899
R.J. Reynolds and Simon Atkins had an idea to have a hospital and nursing school in keeping with Atkins’ emphasis on education and the need for African American medical professionals. R.J. Reynolds proposed to match $5,000 toward the hospital and nurses training if Simon Atkins could raise a similar amount by January 1, 1901.
The Slater Hospital was the first African American hospital in the South and was formally opened on May 14, 1902, during the Slater School’s ninth commencement.
The Slater Hospital was located on the campus of Slater Industrial Academy and State Normal School (now Winston-Salem State University).
Early 1900s
R.J. Reynolds’ success enabled him to purchase most of the competing tobacco factories in and around Winston. At this time, the company produced approximately 25% of America’s chewing tobacco business.
During the 1890s, as R.J. Reynolds’ business expanded, his success caught the eye of James Buchannan “Buck” Duke. Duke founded the American Tobacco Company, the third largest corporation in America, and was best known for inventing modern cigarette manufacturing and marketing techniques.
February 27, 1905
R.J. Reynolds married Katharine Smith, in Mount Airy, North Carolina.
R.J. and Katharine had four children: Richard Joshua, Jr. in 1906, Mary in 1908, Nancy in 1910, and Zachary Smith in 1911.
1907
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company introduced a pipe tobacco blend using Kentucky burley, naming it Prince Albert, after the popular Prince of Wales.
1907
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company obtains its first patent, describing a method to treat tobacco for improved color and tobacco flavor.
1911
After five years of litigation, a U.S. Court of Appeals ordered that the “Tobacco Trust” be dissolved. The main manufacturers to emerge, in addition to American, were R.J. Reynolds, Liggett & Myers, and Lorillard. This led R.J. Reynolds to expand the company beyond predominantly plug tobacco.
The inception of a Research and Development (R&D) department was a signal of the company’s growth.
1912
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company employees were offered “A” stock, later known as “Anticipation” stock, for significantly less than the stock price on the open market.
1913
In the 1880s, the U.S. Post Office began referring to the two towns of Winston and Salem as Winston-Salem. After nearly a decade, the U.S. Post Office Department established the Winston-Salem post office in 1899. The towns were officially incorporated as Winston-Salem in 1913.
September 29, 1913
Various stories about the Camel name exist, however the photo used for appearance of the camel design is uncontested.
1914
CAMEL was the first packaged cigarette and the first American Blended Cigarette on the market and in 1914 CAMEL became the first cigarette to be distributed nationally.
In 1925 over 34 billion Camel cigarettes were made, accounting for 43% of all cigarettes sold in the United States. In 1951, over 100 billion Camels were manufactured in RJRT downtown factories.
1915
A rest room and lunchroom for white women were introduced in Number 256, followed by a lunchroom for African American employees in Number 8.
1916
Winston-Salem became the eighth-largest port of entry for goods in the United States despite being 200 miles inland. It was also the largest port of entry in the South at the time.
1917
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company purchased 84 acres of property in Winston-Salem and built 180 houses that were sold ‘at cost’ to workers. This was known as “Reynoldstown.”
The second phase of Reynoldstown was from 1937 – mid-1940s, a result of the sale of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company houses to private owners.
1917
Due to the shortage of tin in WWI, by the end of 1917, Camel Cigarettes were being packed without tinfoil.
July 19, 1918
R.J. Reynolds died at his home, Reynolda House, less than a year after he and the family moved in. He was 68.
R.J. Reynolds served as CEO for 43 years and remains the longest serving CEO in the company’s history.
At the time of his death, Reynolds was the wealthiest man in North Carolina; his $66,000 paid annually in taxes was double the next highest taxpayer.
After his death, R.J. Reynolds brother, William Neal Reynolds assumed control of the company. However, executives did not hang another CEO’s portrait next to Reynolds in the company board room until 41 years later.
August 2, 1918
William N. Reynolds, “Mr. Will” as he was called, took over the Presidency of the company after his brother’s death in 1918 and became the first chairman of the board in 1924.
Will Reynolds held the position of CEO for six years and continued the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company’s growth by focusing on Prince Albert and Camel. In the year following R.J.s death, the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company delivered a 200% dividend on new categories of stocks.
1919
In memory of her first husband, R.J. Reynolds, Katharine donated funds and land for the creation of the R.J. Reynolds High School to honor the man that was so interested in the development of the city.
March 16, 1922
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company was listed on the New York Stock Exchange and granted permission to use “RJR” as its ticker symbol.
April 8, 1924
Bowman Gray, Sr. was appointed to CEO.
Born in Winston, North Carolina to Wachovia co-founder James Alexander Gray and Aurelia (Bowman) Gray, Bowman Gray, Sr. left his position at Wachovia National Bank to become a salesman for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company where he proved to be a standout, ultimately being named the Vice President of Sales in 1912.
Between 1927 and 1932, Bowman Gray, Sr. and his wife Nathalie, oversaw the construction of Graylyn, their 87-acre estate across from R.J. Reynolds home estate, Reynolda House. The Gray family moved into the Manor House in 1932 and with approximately 60 rooms, Graylyn was one of the largest homes in North Carolina at the time, second only to Biltmore.
1928
The company’s first diversification was bringing tin foil for cigarette packaging inhouse. The plant was expanded in 1929 and the company began selling foil to outside customers.
This diversification allowed the company to achieve packaging cost savings and encouraged them to pursue additional packaging businesses.
April 27, 1929
The 314-foot Art Deco skyscraper opens as R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company headquarters. Designed by Shreve & Lamb, well-known New York architects.
Shreve & Lamb, used this building as architectural inspirations for New York City’s Empire State Building.
December 3, 1929
Group insurance takes effect offering a retirement plan, group life, total and permanent disability, and accident and health insurance. Employees adopted of these benefits with 98% approval, although only 75% was required for final adoption.
1931
Camel cigarettes are the first in the industry to be packaged with a moisture-proof, sealed cellophane outer wrap to preserve freshness.
1931 - 1934
S. Clay Williams
In 1917, at Richard J. Reynolds’s personal invitation, Williams moved to Winston-Salem to become assistant general counsel for the R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and was responsible for the evolution of trading Class A stock, preferred stock, and Class B Common Stock – in total authorized capital was raised to $40M (~$985M in today’s value).
1934 - 1946
James Alexander Gray
James A. Gray followed his brother, Bowman Gray Sr., to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company from Wachovia in 1920. As Vice President, James A. Gray was responsible for listing R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company on the New York Stock Exchange. As President, he was the second longest serving President of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company since R.J. himself.
The Winston-Salem Journal wrote:
“The death of James A. Gray casts a pall of sadness over this community and the entire State. Few have done more to advance the economic progress and promote the social welfare of Winston-Salem, Forsyth County and North Carolina as a whole . . .”
1934
Katharine and R.J.s daughter Mary (Katharine) Reynolds & her husband, Charles H. Babcock, purchased Reynolda House from Katharine’s remaining siblings and lived there with their three children.
Mary Reynolds Babcock followed in the family footsteps and started the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, named after her brother, following his death in 1933.
July 31, 1938
Kate Bitting Reynolds Memorial Hospital, affectionately known as the Katie B, was the first publicly-operated facility to treat only African-American patients in Winston-Salem. Before the Katie B., African American residents in need of medical attention had limited options, and African American doctors were barred from practicing at local hospitals.
June 17, 1943
A Winston-Salem, NC tobacco worker strike, led by Local 22, of mostly African American and female workers fought for equal pay and rights. The strike started on June 17, 1943, in Plant Number 65. Local 22 encouraged increased political participation and was responsible for registering thousands of African American voters.
1948
The personnel department developed gradually starting in 1919, and the Personnel Committee was formally established on April 13, 1948 – a move to oversee personnel, benefits, and safety.
Safety was a top priority, and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company had fewer accidents than the National Average of Tobacco Companies and the National Average of all Manufacturing Companies.
1949
Between 1947 – 1949, Bailey Power Plant was constructed to provide electricity and steam for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. The 130-foot-tall iconic smokestacks still remain.
1948 - 1952
John C. Whitaker was the chairman of the board of the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company from 1952 to 1959. He was elected Vice President in 1939 and President in 1948.
1952 - 1957
Edward Austin Darr was a significant figure a R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, serving in numerous roles from Assistant Secretary in 1920 through his time as the Chairman of the Executive Committee up until his death in 1958.
Darr was a key figure during the company’s expansion in the 1950’s including the introduction Winston Cigarettes in 1954.
1954
WINSTON filtered cigarettes launched a new era for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and soon downtown manufacturing facilities lacked the capacity to produce enough cigarettes to meet demand.
1957 - 1959
Bowman Gray, Jr. was the son of Bowman Gray and the last direct link to founder R.J. Reynolds.
1960 - 1970
Alexander H. Galloway drove unparalleled growth and diversification. In 1969, the organization bought Sea-Land Industries, a containerized shipping business, and adopted a new corporate name for the parent company—R.J. Reynolds Industries.
1961
Whitaker Park opened as a desegrated facility, one of the most extensive actions a Southern industry took at the time, and desegregation spread through the rest of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company’s 115-acre industrial setup.
1964 - 1965
On January 11, 1964, the Surgeon General’s Advisory Committee issued a report on smoking and health. The Surgeon General’s Report led to the adoption of the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act of 1965, which placed health warnings on cigarette packs.
1975
Over 50,000 people attended R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company’s 100th anniversary.
1980s
The company had outgrown Whitaker Park and invested $500 million in a state-of-the-art cigarette plant to be built in Tobaccoville, NC.
1982
The current R.J. Reynolds Plaza Building was completed adjacent to the original 1929 R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Building. The modernist design with a curtain wall façade and rigid concrete frame was scheduled to have a pair of skyscrapers that would have been the tallest in the Southeastern United States; however, the FAA ended this plan.
September 19, 1986
The R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company dedicated the Tobaccoville Manufacturing Center (today known as Reynolds Operations Center).
The Manufacturing Center is situated on 614 acres, has 2 million square feet (46 acres) of finished-floor space. The 72 machine complexes could make and pack up to 10,000 cigarettes per minute.
1987
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company donated the 520,000 sq. foot world headquarters building to Wake Forest University.
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company introduced Premier, the first commercial cigarette that heated, rather than burned, tobacco.
1995 - 2004
Andrew J. Schindler was named President and CEO of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and returned the corporate headquarters to Winston-Salem in 2002 following a corporate restructuring.
1995
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company is named as a founding member of We Card, a national non-profit supporting the prevention of age-restricted product sales to minors.
1998
The Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) was entered on November 23, 1998, between the four largest United States tobacco companies and 52 state and territory attorneys’ generals.
2002
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings purchased Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company (Natural American Spirit) for $340 million.
2004
Brown & Williamson Tobacco (B&W) merged with R. J. Reynolds Tobacco and forms new parent company Reynolds American Inc. The merger combined B&W’s brands, including Dunhill, Lucky Strike, Benson & Hedges, and Rothmans, with R. J. Reynolds’ brands, including Winston, Camel, and Pall Mall. B&W owner British American Tobacco (BAT) owned 42% of new parent Reynolds American after the merger.
Susan Ivey was the first woman CEO of a major tobacco company at Brown & Williamson. After the 2004 merger of B&W and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, she was named President and CEO of new parent company Reynolds American Inc.
2005
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company donates 40-acre downtown factory complex to the community, including nearly 3 million sq. feet of empty buildings.
2006
Reynolds American’s acquisition of American Snuff Company (then Conwood) expanded the organization’s portfolio to smokeless tobacco with brand rights such as Kodiak, Cougar, and Grizzly.
American Snuff Company’s history dates back to 1782 when John Garret II started to manufacture Garrett Scotch Snuff, nearly 100 years before R.J. Reynolds started his plug and twist business.
2008
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company introduced Camel SNUS, a dime-sized pouch of heat treated, not fermented tobacco that does not require the user to spit.
2011 - 2014
As President and CEO of Reynolds American, Daniel (Daan) M. Delen oversaw the launch of Vuse Solo in 2013 – gaining a 33% market share by 2015.
2014 - 2016
After spending several years in retirement, Susan Cameron re-joined the organization and ten weeks later announced the organization was planning to purchase Lorillard Inc and the Newport brand. The deal, which took place in mid-July 2014, was history-making: the acquisition is the largest to have been led by a woman at the time. In 2016, Cameron ranked 66 on the Forbes list of the 100 Most Powerful Women.
2014
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company obtained Newport and certain other Lorillard brands. As part of the Lorillard transaction, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company sold Winston, Salem, and other cigarette brands that had been part of building the company’s history.
2016 - 2017
In January 2017, Debra Crew replaced Cameron as president and CEO of Reynolds American – the first woman to succeed another woman as CEO of a Fortune 500 company.
2017
BAT agreed to acquire the remaining outstanding shares of Reynolds American, and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and its affiliates would become part of the global BAT Group.
2017
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company announced the donation of a significant portion of the Whitaker Park manufacturing plant for local redevelopment.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued Marketing Granted Orders (MGO) for Vuse Solo – The FIRST MGO for an e-cigarette from the FDA.
2022
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company announced as a sponsor of TruAge – an innovative age-verification technology to aid in Underage Access Prevention.
2023
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company announced plans for Advanced Water Recycling Facility at Tobaccoville, NC Operations facility.
2023
The organization celebrated 100 Years of partnership with United Way of Forsyth County.
2024
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued Marketing Granted Orders for Vuse Alto Golden and Rich Tobacco flavored products.
2024
David Waterfield, Reynolds American President and CEO, rolled out The Way Forward – Our Path Towards A Better Tomorrow ™.
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