R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. Signed by R.J. Reynolds - 1906 dated Autograph Stock Certificate

Stock signed by R.J. Reynolds. Printed by Goes. The R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company (RJR), established in 1875 by R. J. Reynolds and headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, ranks as the second-largest tobacco manufacturer in the United States, following Altria. RJR operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Reynolds American Inc., which is itself a subsidiary of British American Tobacco based in the United Kingdom.

In the early 1900s, Reynolds acquired the majority of rival tobacco factories in Winston-Salem, leading to the production of 25% of the nation's chewing tobacco. The introduction of Prince Albert smoking tobacco in 1907 marked a significant milestone for the company, becoming a flagship product that garnered extensive advertising in Union Square, New York City. The Camel cigarette emerged as the most popular cigarette brand in the country. The substantial importation of French cigarette paper and Turkish tobacco for Camel cigarettes resulted in Winston-Salem being designated as an official port of entry by the United States federal government, despite its location being 200 miles (320 km) inland. By 1916, Winston-Salem had become the eighth-largest port of entry in the United States.