Philip Morris USA is an American tobacco company. They are a division of the American tobacco corporation Altria Group. It has been the leading cigarette manufacturer in the U.S. since the late 20th century. Its major brands include Marlboro, Virginia Slims, Benson & Hedges, Merit, and Parliament.
The company was incorporated in New York City in 1902 as Philip Morris & Co. Ltd. In 1919 George J. Whelan, along with fellow shareholders Reuben M. Ellis and Leonard B. McKitterick, acquired the American division of the company and created Philip Morris & Co. Ltd., Inc. In the 1950s it introduced innovations such as the flip-top box and filters for cigarettes. In 1972, it became the leading cigarette manufacturer in the United States in terms of sales, a position it continued to hold. In March 2008, Philip Morris International was split from Philip Morris USA.
