Skip to main content

First Electrolytic Production of Bromine

Location: Midland, MI, USA
Date: 1891
Category:
Creator(s): Herbert H. Dow

On January 4, 1891, Herbert H. Dow succeeded in producing bromine electrolytically from central Michigan’s rich brine resources. In the years that followed, this and other processes developed by Dow and the company he founded led to an increasing stream of chemicals from brines. The commercial success of these endeavors helped to promote the growth of the American chemical industry.

 

The plaque commemorating the event reads:

In the original of this building about one mile east of this site, on January 4, 1891, Herbert H. Dow succeeded in producing bromine electrolytically from Midland’s rich brine resources. In the years that followed, this and other processes developed by Dow and the company he founded led to an increasing stream of chemicals from brines. The commercial success of these endeavors helped to promote the growth of the American chemical industry.

Tags: Era: 1900s
Innovation designated by:
Herbert Dow in 1888 Photo courtesy of the Post Street Archives.
courtesy of the Post Street Archives.
Herbert Dow in 1888
Address:
Herbert H. Dow Historical Museum
3417 W Main St
Midland, MI, USA

Herbert H. Dow Historical Museum

We hope you enjoyed this essay.

Please support this 70-year tradition of trusted historical writing and the volunteers that sustain it with a donation to American Heritage.

Donate

Stay informed - subscribe to our newsletter.
The subscriber's email address.