Thomas C. Durant

S.C. Durant - NARA - 527403

Thomas C. Durant (February 6, 1820 – October 5, 1885) was an American physician, businessman, and financier. He is best known for his role in the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Clark Durant was born in Lee, Massachusetts. He attended Albany Medical College where he earned a degree in medicine. Despite his medical training, Durant soon shifted his focus to business and finance.

Career

Durant initially worked as a physician but later became involved in the grain exporting business. His business acumen led him to the burgeoning railroad industry, where he saw significant opportunities for growth and profit.

Involvement with the Transcontinental Railroad

Durant played a pivotal role in the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad as the vice president of the Union Pacific Railroad. He was instrumental in securing funding and navigating the political landscape to ensure the project's completion. Durant's aggressive and sometimes unscrupulous business tactics were crucial in driving the project forward.

Crédit Mobilier Scandal

Durant was also a central figure in the Crédit Mobilier of America scandal, which involved the manipulation of contracts and the embezzlement of funds intended for the construction of the railroad. The scandal tarnished his reputation and led to widespread public outcry.

Personal Life

Durant married Hannah Heloise Trimble, and they had two children. He spent his later years in North Adams, Massachusetts, where he continued to be involved in various business ventures until his death in 1885.

Legacy

Thomas C. Durant's contributions to the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad were significant, despite the controversies that surrounded his career. His efforts helped to connect the eastern and western United States, facilitating commerce and the movement of people across the country.

See Also

• Union Pacific Railroad
• First Transcontinental Railroad
• Crédit Mobilier of America
• Railroad history of the United States