The du Ponts came to America after fleeing from France during the Revolution. Welcomed to America by president Thomas Jefferson Eleutheress Irenee du Pont Nemours was encouraged to set-up a powder mill. Jefferson knew that Eleutheress had learned to make gunpowder from the famous chemist Lavoisier. in 1802, Ireneee built his mill on Brandywine Creek near Wilmington, Delaware. the rest is history. Du Pont is still one of the world’s largest chemical firms and to this day the du Pont family has considerable influence. The du Pont family still observes the dictum from Irenee’s father; “No privilege exist that is not inseparably bound to a duty.” I will let theĀ pictures from Life magazine’s August 19, 1957 edition tell the story of this this great American family.
Du Pont dynamite helping to clear New York Harbor 1885
Powder Mill outside of Wilmington
Visiting in-laws Colgate Darden and Crawford Greenwalt
Highway expert Francis Victor du Pont
Henry Francis du Pont renowned horticulturist
Horse expert and bank president William du Pont Jr.
Engineer F. George du Pont at Remington Arms Co. which is controlled by Du Pont
Vice President Henry B. du Pont (right)
Art Collector Lammont du Pont Copeland
Yachtsman Pierre III secretary of the Du Pont firm
Jane “Dedo” du Pont daughter of Pierre at her coming-out party