History of the Crown Brand
In the beginning
On a barren piece of land in Harris County, Texas, just outside Houston, a discouraged but determined drilling crew struck “black gold” in 1917. Weeks after paychecks from the newly formed Crown Oil and Refining Company had run dry, Well Number 3 finally spouted oil. However, what flowed from the well was more than just crude oil. It was the foundation of what would become the Crown Central Petroleum Corporation.
Expanding
In 1930, a group of Baltimore-based businessmen led by Mr. Louis Blaustein took notice of the growing Texas company and purchased a 48% stake in Crown. Shortly thereafter, Crown acquired a tank wagon and began selling products through a chain of 30 stations in the Houston area.
Going Public
Five years later, in 1935, Crown went public, listing on the Curb Exchange, the predecessor to the American Stock Exchange. Crown’s success continued as it pioneered the manufacturing of 100-octane aviation gasoline, which the U.S. Navy used in its high-performance aircraft engines during World War II.
The Start of Marketing
In 1943, Crown opened its first stations in the Baltimore area, marking the beginning of an extensive marketing campaign.
An Innovator
Known as an innovator in the petroleum industry, Crown has been credited with introducing a licensing program designed to give marketers and their dealers a wide range of customized alternatives that compete effectively with conventional branding programs.
Clark and Crown Join Forces
In 2013, Clark Brands and Crown Central LLC joined forces, bringing together two long-standing fuel brands under one unified organization. This partnership combined Clark’s operations with Crown’s licensing programs, strengthening their market presence and creating new opportunities for growth, expanded services, and greater value for independent fuel retailers.
Today
Today, Crown is an iconic brand with locations serving thousands of people each day across the Mid-Atlantic and the South, including Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and the District of Columbia.