The year was 1899. Queens and Staten Island had just become part of New York City, Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid committed their first armed robbery, and cab driver Jacob German was the recipient of the US’s first ever speeding ticket – when caught driving a whopping 12 miles per hour down Lexington Ave.
And on a small dairy farm in Wells River, Vermont, Bag Balm was invented as a moisturizing aid for dry, chapped cow udders. Word spread quickly, and John Norris from neighboring Lyndonville bought the rights to manufacture the formula. In a stroke of inspiration, he commissioned the design of our now-iconic green tin, decorated with cow udders and a wreath of red clovers – Vermont’s state flower.
Vermont's Original Bag Balm has come a long way since our humble origins, but some things never change. We still provide long-lasting moisture with simple, time-tested ingredients, we still sell Bag Balm in square, green tins…and small dairy farmers still swear by us!
In honor of our 125th anniversary in 2024, here’s a look at Bag Balm history:
1899
Bag Balm invented on a dairy farm in Wells River, VT
1900s
Bag Balm expanded into more animal products, including supplements with the launch of Horse Tonic and Kow Kure.
1910s
Hoof Softener launch...pedicure, anyone?
1930s
Admiral Richard Byrd brings Bag Balm on his North Pole expedition, according to a letter published in the New York Times
1940s
1960s
The launch of the Jumbo Tin Pail
1970s
1980s
1990s
2001
9/11 rescue dogs’ paws are treated with Bag Balm
2010s
2024
Bag Balm turns 125! Thanks for being a fan!
