For nearly 128 years, the iconic Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJINDICES: ^DJI) has stood out as the most visible barometer of Wall Street's health. Since its official inception on May 26, 1896, it's grown from what had been a 12-stock index that predominantly featured industrial companies to one that now showcases 30 historically profitable, time-tested, multinational businesses.

It's also an index that's seen its fair share of modifications since the late 1800s. Excluding company name changes and mergers of then-existing Dow Jones components with other businesses (which may have also resulted in a name change), the Dow has undergone 51 changes since 1896. On Monday, Feb. 26, the ageless index will log its 52nd such change.

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Source Fool.com