Inter-State Automobile Co.

The Inter-State Automobile Company, with its roots in Muncie, Indiana, embarked on its journey in 1908 when a local initiative aimed at attracting manufacturing – particularly automobile firms – took shape​. The name "Inter-State" was coined through a contest orchestrated by Thomas F. Hart, the brainchild behind this venture, and by 1909, the company had commenced production of its vehicles, which were available in several models including a budget-friendly runabout, versatile demi-tonneau, and a deluxe five-passenger touring variant​. Inter-State automobiles were introduced as mid-market vehicles both in size and price, initially equipped with four-cylinder engines, although six-cylinder engines were incorporated in 1913​.

Despite a promising start, the firm stumbled into receivership by the fall of 1913 due to internal discord and a lack of working capital, as stated by Hart. However, a semblance of revival was seen when Frank C. Ball, one of the original investors, acquired the factory and real estate in February 1914, leading to the rechristening of the firm to Inter-State Motor Company​. The brand diversified its offerings in 1915  with the launch of a new Beaver 4-cylinder low-priced car. In May 1918, as World War I escalated, automobile production was halted in favor of war-related manufacturing. Although there was a fleeting hope of resuming passenger car production in early 1919, by March, the Inter-State factory was sold to General Motors, marking the end of Inter-State Automobile Company's journey and the beginning of GM's new Sheridan marque. Though Sheridan’s time was also brief, the larger site under General Motors’ ownership eventually became part of the local Chevrolet / New Venture factory.