Henry Studebaker was a nationally renowned wagon builder who developed his business during the 1840s and 1850s with the help of his five sons. The Studebakers made approximately half of the wagons involved in the westward expansion movement that coincided with the Gold Rush of 1849. The Studebaker Brothers incorporated in the early 1850s and helped supply the Union Army with wagons during the Civil War.

In 1868, following the cessation of hostilities between the North and the South, the Studebaker Brothers created their own manufacturing company. By the late 1860s, railroads had taken the place of wagons as major movers, so the Studebakers focused on personal transportation. Soon thereafter, Studebaker became one of the first companies to create personal automobiles.

Studebaker became known for firsts. In 1926, the company opened the world's first outdoor proving ground for automobiles. Eleven years later, as an advertising gimmick, the company planted 5,000 trees to spell out the name 'Studebaker.' Two classic Studebaker models, the 1929 Studebaker President and the '39 Studebaker Champion, appealed to the common American and introduced innovative design options. Later models included the Studebaker Hawk, the Studebaker Lark and the Avanti.

Unfortunately for the company, increasing competition among the big three automakers forced Studebaker into a financial corner. The company always treated its workers well and compensated them appropriately. However, the company's largess turned to its disadvantage, and financial woes eventually brought down this automotive giant. In 1962, Studebaker was merged with the Packard Corp.