What was Exxon before Exxon?
Business
ExxonMobil Corporation(XOM) is a multinational oil and gas company that was formed in 1999 through the merger of Exxon Corporation and Mobil Corporation. Here is a more detailed history of the company:
Exxon Corporation:
In 1866 The Vacuum Oil Company becomes founded in Rochester, New York, by Matthew Ewing and Hiram Everest. Vacuum Oil is one of the companies that would eventually become Mobil. 1882, John D. Rockefeller’s Standard Oil Trust acquires Vacuum Oil.
1870: John D. Rockefeller and his partners establish Standard Oil Company, which eventually becomes XOM.
In 1911, The U.S. Supreme Court orders Standard Oil to be broken up into smaller companies, including Standard Oil of New Jersey, which later becomes XOM.
1930s to 1950s: Expands its operations globally, including in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
1960s: Begins investing in research and development, including in the development of synthetic rubber and the first commercial fuel cell vehicle.
Furthermore in the 1970s, becomes the world’s largest corporation by revenue. In addition, experiences significant growth in the wake of the 1973 oil crisis.
1980s: Faces criticism for its handling of the Valdez oil spill in 1989, which was one of the largest environmental disasters in history at the time.
Mobil Corporation:
1911: The U.S. Supreme Court orders the breakup of Standard Oil into several smaller companies, including Standard Oil of New York (Socony), which later becomes Mobil.
1920s: Mobil expands its operations internationally, including in Canada, Europe, and the Middle East.
And in the 1940s Mobil plays a major role in the war effort during World War II, providing fuel and lubricants to the U.S. military and its allies.
1950s: Mobil becomes the first oil company to use seismic exploration to find oil reserves. The company also begins investing in research and development, including in the development of synthetic lubricants.
During the 1960s Mobil expands its operations further, including in Asia, Africa, and South America. The company also invests in alternative energy sources such as geothermal power and fuel cells.
1970s: Mobil experiences significant growth due to the high oil prices driven by the 1973 oil crisis. The company also faces criticism for its operations in South Africa during apartheid and for its involvement in the Indonesian military dictatorship.
Throughout the 1980s Mobil invests in research and development. Including in the development of coal gasification and alternative fuels. The company also faces controversy over its operations in Nigeria and its involvement in the Iran-Iraq War.
Then in the 1990s Mobil faces increasing competition from other oil companies and rising environmental concerns. The company announces plans to merge with Exxon in 1998. And the merger becomes completed in 1999.
Overall, the history of Mobil Corporation reflects the evolution of the oil industry over the past century, including its expansion into international markets, its investment in research and development, and its impact on geopolitical events.
What was XOM before XOM?



