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Leland Stanford

Who is Leland Stanford

Leland Stanford was California's eighth governor who was also a lawyer, storekeeper, Justice of the Peace and an organizer of the Sacramento Library before serving his term of governor. He was responsible for cutting California's debt in half during his term. He was one of the "Big Four" that took part in building the transcontinental railroad. During his term served a governor one of the constitutional changes that was made was the length of a governor's term. Instead of it being 2 years it was changed to 4.

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Introduction

Leland Stanford was born in Watervliet New York. He practiced in the law profession in Wisconsin. After he decided not to pursue law, he moved to California and sold equipment to miners. He was elected as governor of California in 1861. He was one of the "Big Four" who built the easternbound section of the transcontinental railroad. He was also appointed to the U.S. Senate n 1885. He served on the Senate until his death in 1893.

Industrial Revolution Connections

Leland Stanford played a major role in the creation of the transcontinental railroad. He made it easier for the movement of people and goods which was a huge part of the Industrial Revolution. Because he was president of the Southern Pacific during the creation of the railroad, he was one of the major contributors to a piece of the puzzle that was the Industrial Revolution.

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Progressive Era Connections

Leland Stanford was part of the construction of the transcontinental railroad, which happened right before the Industrial Revolution. The railroad helped move along the revolution with the transportation of goods and people. Stanford had a large financial interest in the railroad. Because Stanford was great in California, it helped the Central Pacific have access to large amounts of construction money. Before Stanford's death the Southern Pacific company merged with Southern Pacific railroad, Central Pacific and others in order to create a larger industry of railroads. Leland Stanford was president of the Southern Pacific company from the years of 1885 to 1890 during the merge.