⚡ Get All Content for 20% Off ⚡

These Are the Oldest Businesses in Every State Some of these companies date back to the 17th century.

By Rose Leadem

entrepreneur daily

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Busy Beaver Button Co.

A number of businesses have been around since before our nation was even established. In fact, some of the oldest businesses in the U.S. date back to the early 1600s.

These companies have consistently offered their products and services for centuries. In some cases, they've become the backbone of their communities.

They also serve as inspiration to their fellow local businesses. From town pubs to newspapers to law firms, many of the oldest businesses are small businesses.

Related: The 15 Most Profitable Small-Business Industries

One can't help but wonder what's kept these companies afloat for hundreds of years. Most have had to adapt and find their niche. In California, the longest surviving business is aluminum manufacturing company Ducommun, which started as a hardware store during the Gold Rush in 1849. Today, it supplies aluminum to the aerospace industry.

For others, it's their reputation that sustains them. C.D. Peacock Jewelry in Chicago, which opened in 1837 -- the same year Chicago officially became a city -- is Illinois's oldest existing business and has a history of selling to the rich and famous.

From local restaurants to statewide manufacturing businesses, these long-standing companies vary by size and industry.

To find out the oldest business in your state, check out Busy Beaver's infographic below.

Rose Leadem is a freelance writer for Entrepreneur.com. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

The Remote Side Hustle a 43-Year-Old Musician Works on for 1 Hour a Day Earns Nearly $3,000 a Month: 'All From the Comfort of Home'

Sam Ziegler wanted to supplement his income as a professional drummer — then his tech skills and desire to help people came together.

Leadership

Former Interrogator Shares 5 Behaviors Liars Exhibit and How to Handle Them

Five deceptive behaviors to look for and how to respond to those behaviors when you encounter them.

Business News

AI Is Impacting Jobs. Here Are the Gigs Affected the Most, According to an Analysis of 5 Million Upwork Postings

The researcher said in the report that freelance jobs were analyzed first because that market will likely see AI's immediate impact.

Marketing

Ever Wonder Why Certain Websites Rank Higher Than Yours? This SEO Expert Reveals The Secret to Dominating Search Results

It's often the smart use of SEO, now supercharged with AI, particularly in keyword optimization.

Business Ideas

55 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.