Sam Markel forms Mutual Casualty Association and establishes Mutual Casualty Company in Norfolk, VA to insure jitney buses.

Sam Markel's four sons, Lewis, Irvin, Stanley, and Milton, join the growing business, and Markel Service, Inc. is created.

Markel Service, Inc. earns a national following and develops a reputation for industry-leading claims adjusting and safety engineering.

Essex Insurance Company is incorporated and licensed to write excess & surplus (E&S) lines business.

Markel listed on NASDAQ exchange.

Trading of Markel shares moves to the NYSE and market capitalization approaches $900 million (USD).

Markel acquires Terra Nova Holdings Ltd. (Bermuda) and gains entry to London markets.

Markel Ventures is established. First acquisition is AMF Bakery Systems.

Top-line revenues from Markel Ventures increase by 89%.

Markel Specialty grows by acquisition of FirstComp, THOMCO, and Essentia Insurance.

Markel acquires Alterra Capital Holdings Limited (Bermuda). Markel Ventures acquires Eagle Construction.

Abbey Protection plc is acquired by Markel International; Cottrell and Parkland Ventures are acquired by Markel Ventures.

Markel acquires Bermuda-based CATCo; Markel Ventures announces majority interest in CapTech.

Markel joins the Fortune 500 at #476.