America's oldest Black- Owned Business

This small business has stood the test of time for over 129 years of business. E.E. Ward Moving & Storage company is the oldest Black-Owned business in the United States. It has remained solid through the Great Depression, the Great Recession, and much more!

E.E. Ward Moving & Storage company was founded in 1881 with just two horses and a wagon.

Today, the company operates with a fleet of trucks and two warehouses outside of Columbus and Charlotte, North Carolina.

Mural by Aminah Robinson, an artist, chronicling the times and life of E.E.Ward. The painting is on display at the Kings Art Complex in Columbus, Ohio.

E.E. Ward's legacy traces back to the 1840s, when John T. Ward served as a conductor on the Underground Railroad. Ward used his horses and wagon to help free slaves by escaping through a network of hiding places and safe houses.

During the Civil War, Ward scored government contracts to haul supplies and equipment for the US Army.

His son, William Ward, also took interest in the business. By the time 1881, the Ward and his son launched the Ward Transfer Line. In 1899, after the company added storage offerings, they renamed the company the E.E. Ward Transfer and Storage Company. This name was given due to Edgar Earl Ward, John T. Ward's grandson who was running the business by then.

In the early 1900s the company then began to use vehicles. They eventually stopped using horse-powered vehicles in 1921.

In 1945, Eldon Ward, William's grandson took over the business wnd became the last family member to own it.

Brian Brooks and Dominique Brooks, current co-owners of E.E.Ward Moving & Storage Company.

Brian Brooks and his wife. Domique are the current owners of the business. Brooks was determined to keep the legacy alive, after Eldon Ward’s niece mentioned plans to sell it. Brooks’ father was the attorney for the company for over 20 years.

Today, E.E. Ward has been recognized by the Department of Commerce and noted in the Congressional Record.