The Railroad Tycoon Who Built Chicago

The Railroad Tycoon Who Built Chicago PDF

Author: Jack Harpster

Publisher: SIU Press

Published: 2009-08-28

Total Pages: 329

ISBN-13: 0809386801

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William Butler Ogden was a pioneer railroad magnate, one of the earliest founders and developers of the city of Chicago, and an important influence on U.S. westward expansion. His career as a businessman stretched from the streets of Chicago to the wilds of the Wisconsin lumber forests, from the iron mines of Pennsylvania to the financial capitals in New York and beyond. Jack Harpster’s The Railroad Tycoon Who Built Chicago: A Biography of William B. Ogden is the first chronicle of one of the most notable figures in nineteenth-century America. Harpster traces the life of Ogden from his early experiences as a boy and young businessman in upstate New York to his migration to Chicago, where he invested in land, canal construction, and steamboat companies. He became Chicago’s first mayor, built the city’s first railway system, and suffered through the Great Chicago Fire. His diverse business interests included real estate, land development, city planning, urban transportation, manufacturing, beer brewing, mining, and banking, to name a few. Harpster, however, does not simply focus on Ogden’s role as business mogul; he delves into the heart and soul of the man himself. The Railroad Tycoon Who Built Chicago is a meticulously researched and nuanced biography set against the backdrop of the historical and societal themes of the nineteenth century. It is a sweeping story about one man’s impact on the birth of commerce in America. Ogden’s private life proves to be as varied and interesting as his public persona, and Harpster weaves the two into a colorful tapestry of a life well and usefully lived.

The Railroad Magnate

The Railroad Magnate PDF

Author: Karen Baney

Publisher: Desert Life Media

Published: 2022-12-02

Total Pages: 197

ISBN-13:

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A Love at First Sight Christian Historical Cowboy Romance. Set in Prescott, Arizona Territory in 1891 – 1893. James Colter was a successful entrepreneur and businessman in the railroad industry. As he watches his younger brothers marry and start their families, his loneliness deepens. He has everything, except the one thing he longs for the most: a wife and family of his own. When he dances with the daughter of an older friend, was it love at first sight, or will he put his personal dream on hold again to pursue his professional aspirations? Keri Glassman wants to follow in her parents’ footsteps. She dreams of becoming a contract attorney. When a handsome suitor invites her on a train ride, the course of her life is rewritten. Like her mother, she wants it all, a career, a loving husband, and a family. Can she find her own way or will her desire to please her parents threaten to destroy her hope for a lasting love?

Railroad Tycoon

Railroad Tycoon PDF

Author: George Kennan

Publisher: BIG BYTE BOOKS

Published: 2014-11-20

Total Pages: 539

ISBN-13:

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By any account, Edward Henry Harriman was a fascinating individual and a titan of the railroad industry. What Rockefeller was to oil, Harriman was to railroads. By his death Harriman controlled the Union Pacific, the Southern Pacific, the Saint Joseph and Grand Island, the Illinois Central, the Central of Georgia, the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, and the Wells Fargo Express Company. Even by today's standards, he was a fabulously wealthy and powerful individual. In this long out of print biography of Harriman, author Kenan (cousin to the younger George Kennan) reveals the intricate power-plays that resulted in Harriman's control of properties and vast interests. He was interested in science and even learned ju-jitsu after a trip to Japan. Naturalist John Muir said of Harriman that he was worthy of admiration in almost every way. For the first time, Vol. I and II of this long out-of-print book are available together in an affordable, well-formatted edition for e-readers and smartphones. Be sure to LOOK INSIDE or download a sample. Excerpt: "One day [says Mr. Kruttschnitt] I was walking with Mr. Harriman on the road. He noticed a track bolt and asked me why so much of the bolt should protrude beyond the nut. I replied, " It is the size which is generally used." He said, "Why should we use a bolt of such a length that a part of it is useless?" I replied, " Well, when you come right down to it, there is no reason." We walked along and he asked me how many track bolts there were to a mile of track, and I told him. Thereupon he remarked, "Well, in the Union Pacific and Southern Pacific we have about eighteen thousand miles of track and there must be some fifty million track bolts in our system. If you can cut an ounce off from every bolt, you will save fifty million ounces of iron, and that is something worth while. Change your bolt standard."

Great Fortunes from Railroads

Great Fortunes from Railroads PDF

Author: Gustavus Myers

Publisher: Good Press

Published: 2019-12-13

Total Pages: 291

ISBN-13:

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"Great Fortunes from Railroads" authored by Gustavus Myers is a comprehensive exploration of the role of railroads in shaping economic landscapes and amassing wealth. Myers' work delves into the historical development of railroads and their profound impact on industries, economies, and individuals. Through meticulous research and analysis, the author uncovers the mechanisms that led to the accumulation of great fortunes by individuals associated with the railroad industry. "Great Fortunes from Railroads" stands as an enlightening examination of economic history, offering insights into the interconnectedness of transportation, industry, and wealth accumulation.

Great Fortunes From Railroads

Great Fortunes From Railroads PDF

Author: Gustavus Myers

Publisher: Prabhat Prakashan

Published: 2021-01-01

Total Pages: 294

ISBN-13:

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Embark on a fascinating journey through the annals of American history with Gustavus Myers' insightful exploration, "Great Fortunes from Railroads." Step back in time to the era of railroads, when the iron horse ruled the landscape and transformed the nation's economy and infrastructure. In this compelling narrative, Myers delves into the stories of the titans of industry who amassed great fortunes through their control of the railroad industry, shaping the course of American history in the process. Themes of ambition, innovation, and the pursuit of wealth resonate throughout the narrative, inviting readers to contemplate the complexities of capitalism and its impact on society. Myers' meticulous research and vivid storytelling bring to life the larger-than-life figures who built and controlled the nation's railroads, from Cornelius Vanderbilt to Jay Gould. Through insightful character analysis and historical context, Myers offers readers a deeper understanding of the economic, social, and political forces that drove the rise of the railroad tycoons. From their ruthless business tactics to their philanthropic endeavors, Myers explores the contradictions and complexities of these larger-than-life figures, shedding light on their enduring legacy. The overall tone of the book is one of fascination and intrigue, as Myers unravels the tangled web of ambition, power, and wealth that defined the Gilded Age. With its blend of biography, economic analysis, and social history, "Great Fortunes from Railroads" offers a comprehensive and compelling portrait of an era that continues to shape the modern world. "Great Fortunes from Railroads" has earned acclaim for its meticulous research, engaging prose, and insightful analysis of one of the most transformative periods in American history. Critics and readers alike have praised Myers' ability to bring the past to life with vivid detail and compelling storytelling, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in the history of American capitalism. Whether you're a scholar of history, a fan of biographies, or simply someone with an interest in the stories of the past, "Great Fortunes from Railroads" offers a rich and rewarding journey through a pivotal moment in American history. It's a captivating exploration of power, wealth, and ambition that will leave you with a deeper understanding of the forces that shaped the modern world. Don't miss your chance to discover the untold stories of the railroad tycoons with Gustavus Myers as your guide. Grab your copy now and embark on a journey through the corridors of power and wealth that defined the Gilded Age.

The First Tycoon

The First Tycoon PDF

Author: T.J. Stiles

Publisher: Vintage

Published: 2010-04-20

Total Pages: 738

ISBN-13: 1400031745

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NATIONAL BESTSELLER WINNER OF THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD In this groundbreaking biography, T.J. Stiles tells the dramatic story of Cornelius “Commodore” Vanderbilt, the combative man and American icon who, through his genius and force of will, did more than perhaps any other individual to create modern capitalism. Meticulously researched and elegantly written, The First Tycoon describes an improbable life, from Vanderbilt’s humble birth during the presidency of George Washington to his death as one of the richest men in American history. In between we see how the Commodore helped to launch the transportation revolution, propel the Gold Rush, reshape Manhattan, and invent the modern corporation. Epic in its scope and success, the life of Vanderbilt is also the story of the rise of America itself.