The National Cordage Company was formed in New Jersey in 1887, for the importation of hemp and the manufacture and sale ofcordage. It is noteworthy because of its expansion at the beginning of the 1890s and its initial public offering of $5,000,000 of 8% cumulative preferred stock. Thecorporation sought to decrease the cost of production and distribution of their products. It issued a prospectus on August 1, 1887 and quickly sought to dominate the market in raw materials. The company plays a part in the novel "...And Ladies of the Club", one of whose protagonists runs a rival rope company.