W. Duke & Sons was a prominent American tobacco company founded in the late 19th century. The company was known for producing a variety of tobacco products, including cigarettes and chewing tobacco. It played a significant role in the development of the tobacco industry in the United States and was one of the first companies to use mass marketing techniques. In 1901, W. Duke & Sons merged with several other tobacco companies to form the American Tobacco Company. This merger helped consolidate the tobacco industry and allowed for greater distribution of their products. The company is also recognized for its innovative advertising strategies, which contributed to its success during that era.