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The business world is a harsh and severe world for any business to survive in. Every day, sadly, many businesses close their doors for good. It is rare to find any business in any sort of field that lasts beyond even a single generation. That is why it is surprising to many when they discover that America is home to many businesses that have existed for well over three centuries. These businesses have literally seen the formation of our nation occur during their time in business. This brief article will highlight some of the oldest business still in operation in the United States.

Some of America’s oldest business actually predate America altogether. For these, usually family run operations have seen the time when America as we know it today was nothing more than a British colony. As can be imagined many of these older businesses offer older essential and universally needed items and services. This is proven true especially when looking at the oldest business still in operation today. The Tuttle Farm of Dover, New Hampshire was founded as a family farm in 1632. Since its inception the farm has been used primarily for agricultural production. The farm today now emphasizes retail sales of groceries and other items. From that date forward there are a few family farms to be found that are still in use and production today.

Going away from family farms we next come upon the Seaside Inn and cottages. Founded in 1667 this long standing hotel has been providing top notch accommodations’ since its inception. The inn is located at Kennebunk Beach. The inn has been a family run organization for all of the years of its existence. From an inn we next come upon a tavern.

The White Horse Tavern holds the distinction of being America’s oldest drinking establishment in existence today. For nearly four centuries the White horse Tavern has been serving the people of Newport, Rhode Island. The building that the White Horse Tavern is located inn was made in 1652; however the barn like structure was not used as a tavern until 1673. The tavern has been the site of many important historical occasions. The Rhode Island General assembly used to use it as their meeting place. The tavern even boasts of a former pirate as an owner. The infamous William Mays Jr. ran the establishment during the early part of the eighteenth century. Even today the tavern is still a popular location for drinks and food.