The Colgate story began in late-18th century Maryland. In 1798, 15-year-old William Colgate, in an effort to help his family recover from financial troubles, moved to Baltimore and took a job as a soap maker. He mastered the trade and at age 18 set out for New York to make his fortune. In 1806, he set up a starch, soap and candle business. His original William Colgate Co. evolved into the $9 billion Colgate-Palmolive Co. we know today.