DuPonts

DuPonts refers to the Du Pont family, a prominent American lineage of French origin known for their role in early American industry, science, and philanthropy. The family's commercial prominence began with Eleuthère Irénée du Pont, who founded a gunpowder mill near Wilmington, Delaware, in 1802. The enterprise, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, grew into a major chemical corporation and one of the oldest continuously operating firms in the United States.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, members of the DuPonts expanded holdings in industry and public service. The family produced business leaders who guided the evolution of DuPont, as well as politicians and philanthropists who influenced education, science funding, and civic institutions. The DuPonts are also associated with various philanthropic foundations and cultural collections.

In corporate history, DowDuPont was formed by a 2017 merger of Dow Chemical and DuPont, and in 2019 the combined entity split into Dow Inc., DuPont, and Corteva Agriscience. The modern DuPont company focuses on specialty materials, chemicals, and solutions in areas including electronics, agriculture, and safety. The relationship between the DuPont family and the DuPont corporation remains a notable facet of American industrial history, though they operate as largely distinct entities today.