The Hughesdale Chemical Works was located in the village of Hughesdale which is situated about four miles from the city of Providence. The company was established in 1850 by Thomas Hughes and employed two men at the time. The company reported doing business of approximately $5000.00 annually.

In 1871, the company was incorporated with Thomas H. Hughes as Treasurer and William H. Hughes as Secretary. At that time the company was doing approximately $100,000.00 in business a year and employed about fifty men.