The Associates: Four Capitalists Who Created California

Richard Rayner talked about his book The Associates: Four Capitalists Who Created California, published by W. W. Norton/Atlas and Company. In his book he chronicles the four men who financed the transcontinental railroad. Collis Huntington, Charles Crocker, Mark Hopkins, and Leland Stanford who were commonly known as “The Associates.” Mr. Rayner presents the business partners as by-products of a win-at-all costs business ethos influenced by the California Gold Rush and contends that their interest in money was far greater than their desire to unite the country via the railroad. He responded to questions from members of the audience.

This event was held in the Gallery of the California Historical Society. close