c) Boston Manufacturing Company

The Boston Manufacturing Company, founded in 1813 in Waltham, Massachusetts, is recognized as the first publicly traded company in the U.S. It was a significant development in the American Industrial Revolution, particularly in the textile industry. The company combined several production processes under one roof, pioneering the Waltham-Lowell system, which became a model for future mills. This integrated approach marked a shift from artisanal to factory production, influencing the growth of the U.S. manufacturing sector. The company’s public trading status opened new avenues for investment and growth in American industry, contributing to the development of the U.S. economy.