The Story

Explore our History & Heritage through our timeline

Galt has been a popular destination for many prominent figures in American history. The company’s ledgers, which describe every single renowned patron and visitor, are a great part of Washington’s culture. Counting from its founding in the beginning of 19th century, every President of the United States, including Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt have placed all of their trust in Galt & Bro. for all of their jewelry needs.

The list of distinguished and regular patrons of the firm is long and includes Presidents, First Ladies, cabinet officers, Supreme Court Justices, Senators and diplomats from all over the world. The imprint of Galt appears on a vast number of valuable items of great historical interest, many of which have become museum relics.

Scroll to explore the Galt & Bro timeline

1802
1802

1802 – James Galt, founded Galt & Bro. jewelers in 1802 in Alexandria, Virginia. Alexandria became the first location for the business until 1825 when it was moved to Washington. D.C. The Galt family was one of the first settlers in the New World.

1812
1812

1812 – James Galt’s selfless patriotism is best exemplified in his voluntary service in the armed forces during the War of 1812, fighting under General Young’s brigade during the second British invasion, even participating in the final repulse of British forces from the state of Maryland.

1825
1825

1825 – James Galt decided to move his business to downtown Washington, D.C. across the Potomac from Alexandria, with the new location situated on Pennsylvania Avenue & Ninth Street. James Galt continued to oversee the his almost five decades-old business, until his peaceful death in 1847. Its origin year makes Galt the oldest business in the District. As America’s capital prospered and grew, so did Galt’s business and reputation.

1861
1861

1861 – On the first day of the Civil War, while working on President Abraham Lincoln’s favorite watch, Galt’s watchmaker, Jonathan Dillon heard that the first shots have been fired.He quickly recited a prayer and secretly inscribed the inside of the watch with the following text: “Jonathan Dillon April 13-1861 Fort Sumter was attacked by the rebels on the above date. J Dillon. April 13- 1861 Washington Thank God we have a government.” This watch never left Lincoln’s jacket pocket throughout his lifetime.

1865
1861 – 65

1865 – Lincoln’s favorite watch was not the only connection that his family had with Galt. During those years, the First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln was known for her growing obsession with spending at Galt during the Civil War.From 1861 to 1865, Galt’s ledger recorded a long list of the First Lady’s purchases, which included diamond rings, gold bracelets, brooches, fans, cuff & shawl pins, bouquet holders, teaspoons and enameled accessories. In her famous Civil War photograph taken by Matthew Brady, Todd Lincoln is wearing Galt’s diamond-and-pearl necklace and bracelet set, which she purchased for a total price of $1100.

1889
1889

1889 – Galt & Bro. made the first souvenir spoon in the United States in 1889, the George Washington spoon was followed shortly by the Martha Washington spoon. By mid-1891, hundreds of souvenir spoon patterns were being produced, with designs commemorating things such as U.S. cities and towns, famous people, current and historical events, schools, animals, flowers – anything that could be imagined.

1889 – That day was also the premiere of the Washington Post March by the U.S. Marine Band that later became one of the most famous pieces in American music history. Galt & Bro. was often involved with the District’s celebrations and historical events, always lending their expertise, assistance and service in rewarding worthy individuals with physical objects that commemorated not only achievements but also the dates of those events. During the premier, Supreme Court Justice Miller presented Galt’s gold and handcrafted medals to the winners of the contest.

1892
1892

1892 – Matthew Galt remained the sole owner of the business. until 1892. After his death, Matthew Galt’s sons, Walter A. Galt and Norman Galt, inherited the company and renamed it to “Galt & Bro.” While Walter Galt withdrew from his ownership in 1900, Norman Galt continued to lead the business until 1908. In his early life, Norman Galt married the future First Lady of America, Miss Edith Galt, who herself inherited the business in 1908, after her husband’s death.

1908
1908

1908 – Edith Galt later married the 48th American President, Woodrow Wilson, and became the official First Lady of the United States, juggling her role of serving the nation, while continuing managing the Galt business until 1934. Edith became one of the most notable and controversial American First Ladies. Edith Galt is most known for her administrative involvement after the President’s stroke while still in office. Some historians give her more credit and call her the first female President of the United States, as her and Wilson were very close, working side by side on many occasions.

1916
1916

1916 – Australian Composer Percy Grainger – In 1916, First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson presented a Galt & Bro’s pendant to Percy Grainger. While Grainger lived in D.C., he performed for the three American Presidents: Woodrow Wilson, Calvin Coolidge, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Grainger was gifted with this pendant, in recognition of his first performance at the White House for the Wilson family in March 1916. This piece is now a part of the Grainger Museum Collection.

1934
1934

1934 – As Galt changed its ownership throughout the two centuries, new owners and leadership added more energy, work and improvement into the company.New accomplishments within each decade were achieved, new jewelry designs and collections were created, new clients were serviced, and Galt’s name and reputation were carried through each American era.

19341934

1963
1963

1963 – President John F. Kennedy made a plaque for the Sultan of Zanzibar, Sayyid Jamshid bin Abdullah Al Said, which was never picked up following Kennedy’s assassination in 1963.

20012001

2002
2002

2002 – 10 ct Galt & Bro. Fancy pink diamond ring was sold on Christies auctions for $2.2 Million USD
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2018 -After 200 years in Washington. D.C.; Galt & Bro. eyes international expansion.
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Explore our History & Heritage through our timeline

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