Charles Yerkes

Charles Yerkes was a prominent American financier and streetcar magnate in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He played a key role in developing and controlling major urban transit systems, particularly in Chicago and London. Yerkes used his financial expertise to acquire, consolidate, and expand public transportation, significantly shaping city infrastructure. His work often involved complex investments and negotiations, affecting how millions of people commuted daily. Despite controversy over his business methods, Yerkes is recognized for his influence on the growth of modern urban transit systems.