The History of i.g.Burton & Company

In 1908, General Motors was founded as a corporation to market Buick automobiles. At that time, Captain Theodore Burton was a ship's captain who was sailing along the East Coast, Cuba and the Gulf of Mexico. He and his son Fred also had a General Store in Milsboro, and they decided to start selling cars there. Also in 1908, Fred's son Irwin G. Burton was born.

Since 1908, there has always been a descendant of Captain Theodore and his son Fred in the automobile business on Delmarva. I.G. Burton was employed by General Motors during WWII, and afterwards he took the business principles he learned to develop the first truly modern dealership in Milford after the war. Theodore Burton JR was I.G.'s brother, and he owned and operated dealerships in Georgetown, Seaford and Milford as well.

David Burton is the 4th Generation and he became President of the family business in 1959. David added several Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) franchises and was the President of the ig Burton & Company Automotive Group for over 50 years. Nowadays, Charles Burton is the current President and the 5th generation of this legendary DE family to sell cars, trucks and SUV up and down the Delaware and Maryland region.

At the Burton General Store in Milsboro DE, Fred Burton sold the Maxwell Motor car and then taught the new owner how to drive it. Our family and our company have continued the same level of dedication toward our customers since then.

The National Automobile Dealers Association named Irwin G. Burton the Outstanding Dealer in the nation in 1962. Our company mission is simply "Too Care", which means to bring our customers in as members of our family and look after them and their automotive needs from Salisbury to Laurel.

Charlie Burton asks everyone to "Have Fun, Live Large, and Love Life!" This energy and enthusiasm drives our business forward. We strive to provide exceptional customer service and satisfaction, to create a fun atmosphere and a safe working environment for all our employees, and to operate with the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct.