The Blackwell tobacco factory in Durham, built in 1874, was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1977.

[2][3] It is included in the American Tobacco Company Manufacturing Plant historic district, and is now occupied by apartments.

During the occupation of Durham by various military forces in the American Civil War, the quality of some of its tobacco was recognized.

Former soldiers sought to acquire the tobacco produced by John Ruffin Green, who created the Bull Durham logo.

The company experienced rapid growth, due in part to one of the nation's first nationwide advertising campaigns, which made the Bull Durham logo widely recognizable.