Thomas C. Durant was a pivotal figure in the development of the American railroad system during the 19th century. Known for his role in the Union Pacific Railroad and the infamous Crédit Mobilier scandal, Durant's life was marked by ambition, controversy, and significant contributions to the expansion of the U.S. rail network. This article explores Durant's life, his career in the railroad industry, and the lasting impact of his work.
Early Life and Career
Thomas Clark
Durant was born on October 30, 1820, in Lee, Massachusetts. He pursued a medical education at Albany Medical College, graduating in 1840. Although he briefly served as an assistant professor of surgery, Durant soon shifted his focus to business. He became a director of his uncle's grain exporting company, Durant, Lathrop and Company, in New York City. It was during his time in the grain trade that Durant recognized the need for improved inland transportation, which sparked his interest in the burgeoning railroad industry.
Durant's entry into the railroad sector began as a broker for the Chicago and Rock Island Railroad. He later partnered with Henry Farnam to form a contracting company, Farnam and Durant, which played a crucial role in the construction of the Mississippi and Missouri Railroad. This project included the first bridge across the Mississippi River, linking the M&M Railroad to the Chicago and Rock Island Railroad.
Union Pacific and the Transcontinental Railroad
Durant's most significant contribution to the railroad industry came with his involvement in the Union Pacific Railroad. In 1862, Congress passed an act creating the Union Pacific, and Durant was elected vice president of the company. He was instrumental in securing the passage of a bill in 1864 that increased the railroad's land grants and privileges, allowing for the rapid expansion of the rail network.
Durant's aggressive management style and financial acumen were key to the Union Pacific's success. He pushed the construction of the railroad until it met the Central Pacific Railroad at Promontory Summit, Utah, on May 10, 1869, completing the first transcontinental railroad in North America. However, his tenure with the Union Pacific was marred by controversy, as he was eventually ousted from his position due to the Crédit Mobilier scandal.
Legacy and Impact
Despite the controversies surrounding his career, Thomas C. Durant's impact on the American railroad industry is undeniable. His work on the Union Pacific Railroad helped to connect the eastern and western United States, facilitating commerce and communication across the continent. Durant's vision and determination played a crucial role in the expansion of the U.S. rail network, which contributed to the country's economic growth and development.
Durant's legacy is also reflected in his family's continued influence. His son, William West Durant, became a prominent developer of Adirondack Great Camps, further cementing the Durant family's place in American history. Thomas C. Durant's life and career serve as a testament to the transformative power of the railroad industry in shaping the United States during the 19th century.
