Alexander Cassatt
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Alexander J. Cassatt | |
 Alexander Cassatt somewhere between 1890-1900
|
|
| Born | December 8, 1839 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| Died | December 28, 1906 (aged 67) |
Alexander J. Cassatt (December 8, 1839 – December 28, 1906) born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania[1] was the president of the Pennsylvania Railroad from June 9, 1899 to December 28, 1906. Frequently referred to as A.J. Cassatt, his best-remembered accomplishment under his stewardship was the planning and beginning of the project to finally give the PRR a station in New York City, which became Pennsylvania Station. Unfortunately, Cassatt died before his grand station was complete.
Cassatt more than doubled the PRR's total assets during his term, from US$276 million to US$594 million (an increase of 115 percent). Track and equipment investment increased by 146 percent. The route from New York through Philadelphia, Harrisburg and Altoona to Pittsburgh was made double-tracked throughout; to Washington, DC, four-tracked - Pennsy's "Broad Way". Many other lines were double-tracked; almost every part of the system was improved. New freight cutoffs avoided stations; grade crossings were eliminated, flyovers were built to streamline common paths through junctions, terminals were redesigned, and much more. Cassatt initiated the Pennsy's program of electrification which led to the road being the United States' most electrified system.
Contents |
[edit] Chesterbrook Farm
A. J. Cassatt was a horse enthusiast and fox hunter who owned Chesterbrook Farm in Berwyn, Pennsylvania where he bred Thoroughbred racehorses. The 600-acre (2.4 km²) property is today the site of a subdivision with office buildings and homes using the Chesterbrook Farm name. The original main barn designed by Philadelphia architect Frank Furness has been maintained and restored. Cassatt's racing stable owned the 1886 Preakness Stakes winner, The Bard and the 1889 Belmont Stakes 1889 winner Eric. As well, he was the breeder of Montague, the 1890 Preakness winner and Foxford who won the 1891 Belmont.
In addition to flat racing his Thoroughbreds, in 1895 A. J. Cassatt helped found the National Steeplechase Association to organize competitive steeplechase racing. He was also responsible for the introduction of the Hackney pony to the United States. In 1878 he acquired 239 Stella in Britain and brought her to Philadelphia. In 1891, Cassatt and several fellow Hackney enthusiasts founded the American Hackney Horse Society. The organization and registry continues to this day with its headquarters now in Lexington, Kentucky.
Alexander Cassatt died in 1906 after a six-month illness. He was succeeded as Pennsylvania Railroad president by James McCrea.
Alexander Cassatt's sister was the well-known Impressionist painter Mary Cassatt. He became an important patron of her work. Cassatt married Lois Buchanan, niece of U.S. President James Buchanan.
[edit] Legacy
In World War II the United States liberty ship SS A. J. Cassatt was named in his honor.
Gramercy Mansion was built by Alexander Cassatt in 1902.
[edit] References
- ^ Bingaman, J.R. (1916-12-15). Brief History and Reminiscence of One of Pennsylvania Railroad's Presidents. Altoona Tribune. Retrieved on 2007-07-20.
[edit] Further reading
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (2005), RPI: Alumni hall of fame: Alexander J. Cassatt. Retrieved February 22, 2005.
- White, John H., Jr. (Spring 1986), America's most noteworthy railroaders, Railroad History, Railway and Locomotive Historical Society, 154, p. 9-15.
- Jacobs, Timothy. The History Of The Pennsylvania Railroad; Bison Books Group 1988; ISBN 0-517-63351-5, p. 78-88 The Cassatt years.
- Chesterbrook Farm - The Lower Merion Historical Society
- American Hackney Horse Society
| Preceded by Frank Thomson |
President of Pennsylvania Railroad 1899 – 1906 |
Succeeded by James McCrea |
