
George Francis Train was born in 1829 in Providence, Rhode Island, to a family of modest means. His father was a merchant and a sailor, and Train's early life was marked by a love of the sea.
Train's entrepreneurial spirit was evident from an early age, as he began working on ships as a teenager. He eventually saved up enough money to buy his own sailing vessel, which he used to start a shipping business in his early twenties.
Growing up in Providence, Train was surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the port city, which likely influenced his future success as a businessman. He was known for his innovative ideas and his ability to take calculated risks, which served him well in his various ventures.
Early Life and Education
George Francis Train was born on March 24, 1829, in Boston, the son of Oliver Train and his wife Maria Pickering. His cousin Adeline later became a noted author.
George's parents and three sisters tragically died in a yellow fever epidemic in New Orleans in 1833 when he was just four years old. He was raised by his strict Methodist grandparents in Boston.
They hoped George would become a minister, but he had other plans. He attended common schools, where he acquired knowledge about different countries and developed mechanical engineering skills using toy blocks and sticks.
His best friend in school had immigrated from England, and shared with George how difficult it was to get around in his hometown, Birkenhead. This inspired George to set up a tramway system in the same town.
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Career and United States
George Francis Train was an American entrepreneur who made a significant impact on the career landscape in the United States. He was a pioneer in the field of transportation and commerce.
Train's career was marked by his innovative ideas and entrepreneurial spirit, which led to the development of the first transcontinental railroad in the United States. This monumental achievement had a profound impact on the country's economy and infrastructure.
As a successful businessman, Train's career was not limited to the railroad industry. He also made a name for himself in the field of finance, where he invested in various ventures and became a prominent figure in the world of high finance.
Career

In the United States, the job market is highly competitive, with over 157 million people employed as of 2020.
The most common jobs in the US are in the service industry, including retail, food service, and hospitality. Many people are also employed in the healthcare sector, with over 22 million jobs available in 2020.
The US has a strong economy, with a GDP of over $22 trillion in 2020. This has led to a high standard of living, with the average American household income being around $67,000 per year.
Many Americans are self-employed, with over 30 million people running their own businesses as of 2020. This can be a great way to earn a living, but it also comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities.
The US has a relatively short workweek compared to other developed countries, with an average of 34.4 hours worked per week. This can be beneficial for work-life balance, but it can also make it difficult to save money and plan for retirement.
United States

The United States is a hub for career opportunities, with a diverse range of industries to choose from. From tech and finance to healthcare and education, there's no shortage of fields to explore.
One of the most notable aspects of the US job market is its high demand for skilled workers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the US is projected to grow 5% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.
The US is home to some of the world's top universities, with many institutions offering top-notch programs in fields like business, engineering, and computer science. The University of California, Berkeley, for example, is consistently ranked among the top universities globally.
A degree from a US university can open doors to exciting career opportunities, but it's not the only path to success. Many successful entrepreneurs and innovators have built their careers without a traditional degree, instead leveraging their skills and experience to achieve their goals.

The US has a strong culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, with many resources available to support startups and small businesses. The Small Business Administration, for example, provides valuable resources and support to entrepreneurs looking to launch and grow their businesses.
From Silicon Valley to New York City, the US is home to many vibrant startup ecosystems that offer opportunities for collaboration, networking, and growth. The city of Austin, Texas, is another hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, with a thriving tech scene and a strong sense of community.
Later Years and Historical Records
As George Francis Train aged, he became increasingly eccentric. He was arrested in 1873 and threatened with institutionalization in an insane asylum.
Train's behavior was quite unusual, to say the least. He stood for the position of dictator of the United States, charged admission fees to campaign rallies, and drew record crowds.
He became a vegetarian and adopted various fads, including shaking hands with himself, a greeting he claimed to have seen in China. This was a far cry from the usual handshakes he would have given others.
Train spent his final days on park benches in New York City's Madison Square Park, handing out dimes and refusing to speak to anyone but children and animals.
Later Years

As Train grew older, he became increasingly eccentric, to the point where he was arrested in 1873 and threatened with institutionalization in an insane asylum.
He stood for the position of dictator of the United States, charged admission fees to campaign rallies, and drew record crowds.
Train became a vegetarian and adopted various fads, including shaking hands with himself, a manner of greeting he claimed to have seen in China.
He spent his final days on park benches in New York City's Madison Square Park, handing out dimes and refusing to speak to anyone but children and animals.
Train died of heart failure on January 5, 1904, in a cheap lodging house named the Mills Hotel in New York.
The Thirteen Club, of which he was a member, passed a resolution after his death stating that he was one of the few sane men in "a mad, mad world."
Train's summer cottage in Newport, Rhode Island, known as Train Villa, was later destroyed by fire in the 1970s after being renamed Beachholm.
Historical Records Matching

As we explore George Francis Train's later years, it's fascinating to dive into the historical records that match his life.
Historical records show that George Francis Train was documented in "Publisher's Weekly, Weekly Record of Publications" in 1902, a year before his death in 1904.
This publication provides valuable insight into Train's life during his later years, giving us a glimpse into his activities and accomplishments.
The 1902 entry in "Publisher's Weekly" serves as a testament to Train's continued presence in the public eye, even in his later years.
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Deseret Evening News - Jan 22, 1904
The Deseret Evening News of January 22, 1904, reported on the life of George Francis Train. George Francis Train was born in 1829 in Providence, Rhode Island.
Train's father was a wealthy merchant who owned a large dry goods store. He was a successful businessman.
Train's early life was marked by a love of adventure and a desire to make his fortune. He started working in his father's store at a young age.
Train's first venture into business was a partnership with his brother, but it ended in bankruptcy. He then went on to work as a clerk in a dry goods store in New York City.
In 1855, Train became a partner in a dry goods firm in New York City.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who invented the tram MR train?
George Francis Train is credited with inventing the first street tramway in the British Isles, specifically a horse tramway in Birkenhead in 1860.
Who was Citizen Train?
Citizen Train was a multifaceted American individual who achieved success in shipping, writing, and politics, with connections to revolutionary movements in France and Australia. He was a presidential candidate and reportedly considered leading an Australian republic.
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