John W. Garrett

For his grandson, the U.S. diplomat, see John W. Garrett (diplomat).
For other people named John W. Garrett, see John W. Garrett (disambiguation).

John W. Garrett
Born(1820-07-31)July 31, 1820
Baltimore, Maryland, US
DiedSeptember 26, 1884(1884-09-26) (aged 64)
Deer Park, Maryland, US
Occupations
  • Banker
  • railroad executive
Years active1850s–1880s
Known forPresident, Baltimore and Ohio Railroad
PredecessorChauncy Brooks
SuccessorRobert Garrett, II
Spouse
Rachel Ann Harrisson
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(died 1883)​
Children4, including Mary Elizabeth
Signature

John Work Garrett (July 31, 1820 – September 26, 1884) was an American merchant turned banker who became president of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) in 1858 and led the railroad for nearly three decades. The B&O became one of the most important American railroads by the time Garrett died, and Garret would also become a noted philanthropist. He provided crucial support for the Union cause during the Civil War, expanded the railroad to reach Chicago, Illinois, and competed with the Pennsylvania Railroad for access to New York City.