WATCH THE VIDEO This excerpt from the Holt 100th Anniversary Video includes an animation of the original Caterpillar machine in action! Click the link to view. Windows Media (7.6M)

HOLT CAT begins 100-year anniversary celebration of the Caterpillar^® Track- type tractor

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (March, 2004) – HOLT CAT, the largest Caterpillar equipment dealer in the United States, celebrates its “Heritage of Innovation” by recognizing the 100-year anniversary of the first practical, track-type tractor. Benjamin Holt, great grandfather of Peter M. Holt, current CEO of HOLT CAT, first demonstrated his innovative design of a machine moving on self-laying tracks on Thanksgiving Day 1904. The tractor’s movement inspired the name “Caterpillar,” which today is one of the best-known brands in the world.

“Over the past 100 years, the Caterpillar track-type tractor has made an essential contribution to American and global progress,” said Peter M. Holt, fourth generation in the Holt family to be connected with Caterpillar Inc. and its predecessors. “It is a privilege to carry on the Holt family tradition of finding innovative ways to better serve the community. I am especially honored to join the extended HOLT CAT family of employees and customers as we take part in this historical and once-in-a-lifetime celebration of our unique connection to Caterpillar Inc. and Benjamin Holt.”

During 2004, HOLT will celebrate the anniversary with customer appreciation events and exhibits at many of their store locations in North, East, Central and South Texas. HOLT has collected a number of antique tractors and other machines, which will be displayed along with the latest Caterpillar products and services offered by HOLT CAT.

Customer Appreciation Events

We are proud of the contributions that Benjamin Holt made and want to commemorate this milestone. HOLT CAT is holding customer appreciation events in cities around Texas. Below are photos from the events and dates of upcoming events. Click below to view the photos.

PLEASE NOTE: The slideshow feature required Internet Explorer 5.0 or greater. Since the photos are fairly large, it's best to view them over a broadband Internet connection (DSL, cable modem).

Find out more about the History of Holt by clicking here >>