Collis Potter Huntington (1821–1900) was a prominent American industrialist and railroad magnate, best known as one of the Big Four who helped build the Central Pacific Railroad, part of the first transcontinental railroad. Born in Harwinton, Connecticut, Huntington started as a merchant before moving to California during the Gold Rush, where he became a successful businessman.
Huntington played a crucial role in financing and lobbying for the Central Pacific Railroad, working alongside Leland Stanford, Mark Hopkins, and Charles Crocker. He later expanded his influence by developing the Southern Pacific Railroad and the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway, which connected the James River in Virginia to the Ohio River Valley. His efforts helped transform Newport News, Virginia, into a major industrial hub, including the founding of Newport News Shipbuilding. Despite his contributions to American infrastructure, Huntington was criticized for his aggressive business tactics and political lobbying. He passed away in Raquette Lake, New York, in 1900 and is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Bronx, New York.
