Eli Lilly founded in Indianapolis (1876–1879)

Eli Lilly, a Union Army veteran and pharmaceutical chemist, founded Eli Lilly and Company in Indianapolis on May 10, 1876. After dissolving a prior partnership, he opened a laboratory at 15 West Pearl Street to manufacture drugs. The company grew from modest initial sales to a significant enterprise, establishing a foundation for its future expansion.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Eli Lilly was an American Union Army officer, pharmacist, and chemist who served during the Civil War. He enlisted in the 18th Independent Battery Indiana Light Artillery and later commanded the 9th Indiana Infantry Regiment. Before founding his own company, he worked with business partners in pharmacies in Indiana and Illinois, returning to Indianapolis in 1873.

Founding of the Company. In 1876, Lilly dissolved his partnership with John F. and used his share of assets to open his own pharmaceutical manufacturing business. On May 10, 1876, he opened a laboratory in a rented two-story building at 15 West Pearl Street in Indianapolis. This location served as the company's base until 1878, when it moved to larger quarters.

Early Operations and Growth. During its first year, sales reached $4,470, growing to $48,000 by 1879. In 1878, Lilly hired his brother James as the first full-time salesman, helping market drugs nationally. The company was one of the first to staff a dedicated research department and implement quality-assurance measures, laying the groundwork for its future influence.

People involved

Sources

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