Collis
Huntington was born at Harwinton, Connecticut, on 22nd October, 1821.
He left school at fourteen and the following year moved to New
York City where he sold watches. He eventually raised enough money
to open a general store in Oneonta. After the discovery of gold in
California Huntington opened a store in Sacramento specializing in
mining supplies.
In 1860 Huntington joined with a group of businessmen to establish
the Central Pacific Company. Huntington soon emerged as the leader
of the company and he made a fortune when the roadroad was completed
between California and Utah. After completing this line Central Pacific
built a second transcontinental route between Texas and New Orleans.
In 1884 the various companies that Huntington was involved in were
merged to form Southern Pacific. Huntington also extended the lines
of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway which he purchased in 1869 to link
with the Southern Pacific, forming a 4,000 mile (6,440 kilometre)
continuous track.
Huntington was very successful in receiving government loans for his
various schemes. He was also able to persuade politicians in Washington
to block aid for his main competitor, the Texas and Pacific Company.
This led to campaign by William Randolph Hearst
and his journalist, Ambrose Bierce, where
they accused him of corruptly controlling politicians.
Collis Huntington became president of the Southern Pacific-Central
Company in 1890 and retained this position until his death on 13th
August, 1900.
(1)
Charles Edward Russell, wrote
about the campaign by Ambrose
Bierce
and William
Randolph Hearst
against Collis Huntington in Hampton's
Magazine (September, 1910)
These articles (about Collis Huntington)
were extraordinary examples of invective and bitter sarcasm. After
a time the skill and steady persistence of the attack began to draw
attention. With six months of incessant firing, Mr. Bierce had the
railroad forces frightened and wavering; and before the end of the
year, he had them whipped.
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