The Barber Asphalt Company, founded in 1883 by Amzi L. Barber, initially started in Washington, D.C. and later moved its headquarters to New York City. The company leased the largest known asphalt deposit at Pitch Lake, Trinidad in 1888 and expanded its operations with various offices and subsidiaries. After several mergers and name changes, including a joint venture with Standard Oil in 1946, the company played a significant role in paving millions of miles of roads. The Barber Asphalt Company also operated a fleet of tankers and coal ships which were used to contribute to the US Merchant Navy during World War II. The company closed in 1981, selling its assets to various corporations.
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| Industry | Amzi L. Barber's Oil, Gas, Asphalt and shipping |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1883 in Washington, D.C., United States |
| Defunct | 1981 |
| Fate | Sold |
Key people | Amzi L. Barber, Avery D. Andrews |
| Products | Asphalt, shingles, oil and gas |
| Subsidiaries | Iroquois Electric Refrigeration Company, Iroquois division |