Charles Melville Hays

Charles Melville Hays was an influential American railroad executive born in 1856. He played a significant role in the development of Western Canada's rail system, particularly as the president of the Grand Trunk Railway. Hays was instrumental in promoting economic growth and immigration to Canada through his efforts to expand railway services. He envisioned the creation of a grand railway hotel, which led to the construction of the famous Château Laurier in Ottawa. Tragically, Hays died in the sinking of the RMS Lusitania in 1915, but his contributions to the rail industry and Canadian development left a lasting legacy.