He founded the John B. Stetson Company in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1865, and it became one of the largest hat manufacturers in the world.

[7] He attempted to enroll in the military during the American Civil War but was rejected due to his health condition.

[8] During the trip to Colorado, Stetson relied on his hat-making skills to turn animal pelts into felt for usage by him and his travelling companions as water-proof tents and hats.

[6] He created a modified sombrero and sent samples of the Boss of the Plains style he had invented to dealers in the West and was soon inundated with requests for more.

[13] These lightweight hats were natural in color with four inch crowns and brims; a plain strap was used for the band.

Made from waterproof felt, the new hat was durable and the wide brim protected the wearer from the sun and rain.

All the high-crowned, wide-brimmed, soft felt western hats that followed are intimately associated with the cowboy image created by Stetson.

[13] Stetson's Western-style hats were worn by employees of the National Park Service, U.S. Cavalry soldiers, and U.S. Presidents,[6] including Lyndon B. Johnson, Ronald Reagan and George W.

[19] Stetson hats won numerous awards, but as his company grew, he "faced the challenge of developing a reliable labor force.

"[6] Stetson, "guided by Baptist religious principles, believed that by providing for his employees he would lend stability to their lives and attract higher caliber ones.

[6] He built grammar and high schools and helped build colleges, including Temple and Stetson Universities.

[20] Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission has expanded to provide more services, changed their name to Philly House, and is still active in support of the homeless population of Philadelphia.