Collis Potter Huntington (1821-1900) was an American railroad magnate and businessman who played a significant role in the development of the western United States during the 19th century. He was born on October 22, 1821, in Harwinton, Connecticut.
Huntington is primarily known as one of the central figures in the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad, which connected the eastern and western coasts of the United States. Alongside his business partners, including Leland Stanford, Charles Crocker, and Mark Hopkins, Huntington co-founded the Central Pacific Railroad, later known as the Southern Pacific Railroad.
With his keen business acumen and shrewd negotiations, Huntington was instrumental in securing vital financial support and government contracts for the construction of the railroad. He also actively participated in the physical construction of the railway lines, contributing to its completion in 1869 at Promontory, Utah.
Beyond his involvement in the railroad industry, Huntington was an astute entrepreneur who had interests in various industries. He invested in real estate, mining, shipping, and utilities, expanding his business empire. Huntington was also involved in the development of the city of Newport News, Virginia, where he established a major shipyard.
Collis Potter Huntington left behind a lasting impact as a prominent figure in American business history. His contributions to the railroad industry and his influence in developing the western frontier through commerce and transportation cemented his legacy as a pioneering industrialist.
