ABOUT THIS EPISODE
We are back with another installment of the Jay Gould story. This week we have moved on from leather and firmly landed in the world of trains.
Gould thought he saw a prime opportunity in the Erie Railroad, however he wasn't the only one. In order to gain control of these tracks and trains, Gould would have to pick a fight with the already infamous Cornelius Vanderbilt. Both men were willing to stop at no cost to get control including, but not limited to, tanking the entire economy to do it.
Eventually Gould and his partner James Fisk were able to narrowly gain control of the railroad. This fight between Gould, Fisk, and Vanderbilt would later be called the Erie War.
The success against Vanderbilt really put Gould on the map giving him enough power and money to make some even riskier bets and perpetrate some even more brazen rule breaking. This time with much wider reaching consequences. But that will be next week!
We hope you enjoy!
Sources: American Rascal How Jay Gould Built Wall Street’s Biggest Fortune by Greg Steimetz
Send us a text! Let us know what topics you want us to cover!
