Here are a few dates of significance...

• 1796 - Christian Frederick Martin is born in Markneukirchen, Germany
• 1833 - CF Martin Sr. set up his shop in New York City.
• 1839 - CF Martin Sr. moved his shop to Nazareth, Pennsylvania.
• 1842 - CF Martin Sr. creates & perfects "X" bracing for Guitar tops.
• 1898 - Martin began serial numbering their instruments.
• 1900s (early) - Martin began manufacturing Strings.
• 1929 - Martin introduced guitars with necks that join the body at the 14th fret.
• 1931 - Martin introduced the 12 fret Dreadnought body style Guitar.
• 1934 - Martin introduced the 14 fret Dreadnought body style Guitar.
• 1939 - "X" bracing is moved back toward the bridge and neck width is changed from 1&3/4 to 1&11/16.
• 1942 - "45"style guitar is discontinued.
• 1944 - Scalloped bracing is discontinued (last serial # 89926)
• 1947 - Herringbone trim is discontinued.
• 1964 - Martin opened new factory at 510 Sycamore Street.
• 1968 - Martin brings back the D-45.
• 1969 - Martin discontinues the use of Brazilian Rosewood.
• 1976 - Martin introduces the HD-28, bringing back scalloped braced guitars to the line.
• 1984 - Martin introduces the adjustable truss rod to all USA models. Serial # 453181.
• 1986 - Chris Martin, CFMIV, takes leadership of the company.
• 1990 - Martin completes Serial #500,000.
  
• 1991 - Backpacker Guitar is introduced.
  
• 1993 - The D-1 Guitar line is introduced.
  
• 1998 - "X" Series of Guitars is introduced, using High Pressure Laminates.
  
• 1998 - Martin completed 85,000 sq. ft. state of the art addition.
• 2003 - Martin introduces the "Little Martin"
• 2004 - Martin builds guitar Serial #1,000,000.
• 2006 - Grand Opening of the Martin Guitar Museum & Visitors Center.
• 2009 - Martin introduces the New "1" Series.
• 2010 - Martin introduces the "Performing Artist" Series.