SOHIOs

SOHIOs, officially the Standard Oil Company of Ohio, was a major American oil company. Founded in 1870 by John D. Rockefeller, it was one of the principal subsidiaries of the Standard Oil Trust. SOHIO played a significant role in the development of the petroleum industry in the United States, particularly in the Ohio region.

The company's operations initially focused on refining oil and later expanded into exploration and production. SOHIO was known for its extensive retail network of gas stations, which became a familiar sight across the Midwest. It was also a pioneer in developing new refining technologies.

In 1968, SOHIO discovered a massive oil field in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, which significantly altered its financial standing and strategic direction. This discovery led to a period of substantial growth and diversification for the company.

In 1981, British Petroleum (BP) acquired a 55% stake in SOHIO, and by 1987, BP had acquired the remaining shares, making SOHIO a wholly owned subsidiary. The SOHIO brand gradually disappeared as its assets and operations were integrated into BP. The legacy of SOHIO is tied to the rise of American industrial power and the evolution of the modern oil industry.