Standard Oil Branched Out
During the 1870s, Standard Oil developed more than 300 petroleum-based products for consumers, thanks to Rockefeller’s deep-seated hatred for wasting anything. Even chewing gum became a product line. Oil-based paints were created and sold straight to consumers, as well as paint manufacturers. Petroleum Jelly was also developed and marketed by Standard Oil and had a variety of purposes.
John D. Rockefeller Sr. Photo by Historia / Shutterstock
Paraffin wax (less expensive than beeswax) was marketed. The first paraffin candles were known for being smoky with a distinct smell. However, they quickly started dominating the market because they were less expensive. Standard Oil produced 90% of the crude oil refined in the United States by the end of the 1870s, with petroleum products about to explode on the scene.