John W. Garrett

Who was John W. Garrett?

John Work Garrett, was an American banker, philanthropist, and president of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.

In 1855, he was named to the board of the B&O, and in 1858, became its president, a position he held until the year he died. His tenure was marked by his support for the Union cause during the Civil War, the expansion of the railroad to reach Chicago, Illinois, and his struggles with the Pennsylvania Railroad over access to New York City. Several places are named in his honor.