1870day.year
John D. Rockefeller incorporates Standard Oil.
In 1870, John D. Rockefeller founded Standard Oil, initiating one of the most powerful and controversial business empires in history.
On January 10, 1870, John D. Rockefeller and his partners officially incorporated the Standard Oil Company in Ohio.
They aggressively consolidated refineries, instituted cost-cutting measures, and pioneered the use of pipelines.
Within a decade, Standard Oil controlled over 90% of U.S. oil refining through trusts and stock acquisitions.
Its monopolistic practices led to public outcry and antitrust legislation, culminating in the 1911 Supreme Court breakup.
Rockefeller’s fortunes funded philanthropic initiatives that shaped education, medicine, and scientific research.
1870
John D. Rockefeller
Standard Oil
1901day.year
The first great Texas oil gusher is discovered at Spindletop in Beaumont, Texas.
In 1901, the Spindletop oil gusher in Beaumont, Texas ignited the modern petroleum industry with an unprecedented flow of oil.
On January 10, 1901, prospectors struck oil at Spindletop Hill, unleashing a gusher that spewed over 100,000 barrels per day.
This discovery by Anthony F. Lucas and Patillo Higgins shattered production records and launched the Texas oil boom.
Hundreds of drilling operations sprang up overnight, fueling rapid economic growth in the Gulf Coast region.
Spindletop’s riches attracted major oil corporations and spurred the rise of giants like Gulf Oil and Texaco.
The event marked a turning point in energy history, underpinning the age of oil that transformed global transportation and industry.
1901
Texas
oil gusher
Spindletop
Beaumont, Texas
1990day.year
Time Warner is formed by the merger of Time Inc. and Warner Communications.
In 1990, Time Inc. and Warner Communications merged to create Time Warner, reshaping the global media landscape.
On January 10, 1990, media giants Time Inc., publisher of magazines like TIME and Fortune, and Warner Communications, owner of Warner Bros and major music labels, merged to form Time Warner. Valued at over $14 billion, the merger created one of the largest media conglomerates of its time. It united leading print, film, television, and music properties under a single corporate umbrella, aiming to capitalize on cross-platform synergies. Time Warner quickly became a global powerhouse in publishing, broadcasting, and studio entertainment. The combined entity set a new precedent for consolidation in the media industry and influenced how audiences consume news and entertainment. Its formation marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of modern media conglomerates.
1990
Time Warner
Time Inc.
Warner Communications