Henry du Pont

American industrialist

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June 25, 2026

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Henry du Pont (1812–1889) was an American industrialist who led the E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company during a significant expansion period. He was the grandson of the company's founder, Eleuthère Irénée du Pont.1

After graduating from West Point and serving briefly in the army, Henry joined the family business. He headed the company from 1850 to 1889, a time of considerable growth, particularly after the Civil War. Under his leadership, the company expanded its operations, acquiring powder works across the country and gaining control of related enterprises.1

The du Pont family's fortune was initially built on explosives and textiles, later diversifying into various manufacturing sectors. The company, founded in 1802, became a major producer of gunpowder and later expanded into other explosives like dynamite.12

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du Pont Family
…in a traditional manner, and Henry du Pont (1812–89), who proved more vigorously enterprising. Though a graduate of West Point (1833), Henry left the army a year later and joined the family business, heading the company during the great period from 1850 to 1889 and expanding its activities especially after…
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…in a traditional manner, and Henry du Pont (1812–89), who proved more vigorously enterprising. Though a graduate of West Point (1833), Henry left the army a year later and joined the family business, heading the company during the great period from 1850 to 1889 and expanding its activities especially after…
Read More