Du Pont, Éleuthère Irénée << eh luh TYAYR ee ray NAY >> (1771-1834), founded a gunpowder company in 1802 that was the forerunner of the present-day DuPont Company. Throughout the 1800’s, the firm was known as the premier gunpowder and explosives manufacturer in the United States.
Du Pont was born in Paris. His father was Pierre Samuel du Pont de Nemours, a well-known French economist. In 1799, Irenee emigrated to the United States. While on a hunting trip, he recognized the need for low-cost, quality gunpowder in his adopted country. Du Pont erected his gunpowder works near Wilmington, Del. The firm’s sales increased steadily between 1804 and 1811. The sharp rise in demand accompanying the War of 1812 helped guarantee the company’s success.
