The Elgin National Watch Company was founded in 1864.  At one time the Elgin Watch company was responsible for creating about half of the pocket watches in the US.  Due to its success Elgin grew in size and prosperity.  Much of this growth consisted of single women, which lead to Elgin having the largest percent of women in the US workforce just shy of 40%!

Unfortunately this prosperity would not last and the Elgin National Watch Company closed its doors in 1968.  The rights to its name were later sold off, which is why you can still buy new watches what bare its name.  To learn more about the history of watch factory check out Elgin National Watch Company by E.C Alft.