Leland Stanford

Date of Birth: March 9, 1824

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: June 21, 1893

Biography

Leland Stanford was an American industrialist, politician, and founder of Stanford University. Born into a prosperous family, he initially pursued a career in law before moving to California during the Gold Rush. There, he delved into the mercantile business and soon became involved in the burgeoning railroad industry. Stanford played a pivotal role in the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad as one of the “Big Four” investors in the Central Pacific Railroad. His influence extended into politics, where he served as the Governor of California from 1862 to 1863 and later as a U.S. Senator from 1885 until his death in 1893. Alongside his wife, Jane Stanford, he founded Stanford University in memory of their only son, Leland Stanford Jr., who died of typhoid fever at the age of 15.

5 Interesting Facts about Leland Stanford

1. Leland Stanford was one of the key figures in the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad, which connected the Eastern U.S. with California.

2. He served as the Governor of California during the American Civil War.

3. Stanford University was founded by Leland and his wife, Jane, in memory of their deceased son, Leland Stanford Jr.

4. Stanford was a U.S. Senator from California from 1885 until his death in 1893.

5. In addition to his railroad ventures, he invested heavily in wine production and established one of the largest vineyards in California.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Leland Stanford

1. “The children of California shall be our children.”

2. “I want success for our university, not prestige.”

3. “Laboring men and the laboring classes constitute the main part of our population. To them we must look chiefly for the safety of free institutions.”

4. “The influence of a university is not limited to the education of those who attend it, but extends to the people of the state and the nation.”

5. “A man cannot do an immoral thing and continue to be a moral man.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Leland Stanford’s highest net worth is estimated to have been around $50 million, which would be equivalent to approximately $1.5 billion today when adjusted for inflation.

Children

Leland Stanford and his wife, Jane Stanford, had one child, Leland Stanford Jr., who was born on May 14, 1868. Tragically, Leland Stanford Jr. died of typhoid fever at the age of 15 on March 13, 1884. His death profoundly influenced his parents to found Stanford University in his memory.