Alexander Cassatt

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Alexander J. Cassatt
Alexander Cassatt somewhere between 1890-1900
Born December 8, 1839
Died December 28, 1906

Alexander J. Cassatt (December 8, 1839 – December 28, 1906) was the president of the Pennsylvania Railroad from June 9, 1899 to December 28, 1906. Frequently referred to as A.J. Cassatt, his best-remembered accomplishment under his stewardship was the planning and beginning of the project to finally give the PRR a station in New York City, which became Pennsylvania Station. Unfortunately, Cassatt died before his grand station was complete.

Cassatt more than doubled the PRR's total assets during his term, from US$276 million to US$594 million (an increase of 115 percent). Track and equipment investment increased by 146 percent. The route from New York through Philadelphia, Harrisburg and Altoona to Pittsburgh was made four-tracked throughout, Pennsy's "Broad Way". Many other lines were double-tracked; almost every part of the system was improved. New freight cutoffs avoided stations; grade crossings were eliminated, flyovers were built to streamline common paths through junctions, terminals were redesigned, and much more. Cassatt initiated the Pennsy's program of electrification which led to the road being the United States' most electrified system.

[edit] Chesterbrook Farm

A. J. Cassatt was a horse enthusiast and fox hunter who owned Chesterbrook Farm in Berwyn, Pennsylvania where he bred Thoroughbred racehorses. The 600 acre property is today the site of a subdivision with office buildings and homes using the Chesterbrook Farm name. The original main barn designed by Philadelphia architect Frank Furness has been maintained and restored. Cassatt's racing stable owned the 1886 Preakness Stakes winner, The Bard and the 1889 Belmont Stakes 1889 winner Eric. As well, he was the breeder of Montague, the 1890 Preakness winner and Foxford who won the 1891 Belmont.

In addition to flat racing his Thoroughbreds, in 1895 A. J. Cassatt helped found the National Steeplechase Association to organize competitive steeplechase racing. He was also responsible for the introduction of the Hackney pony to the United States. In 1878 he acquired 239 Stella in Britain and brought her to Philadelphia. In 1891, Cassatt and several fellow Hackney enthusiasts founded the American Hackney Horse Society. The organization and registry continues to this day with its headquarters now in Lexington, Kentucky.

Alexander Cassatt died in 1906 after a six-month illness. He was succeeded as Pennsylvania Railroad president by James McCrea.

Alexander Cassatt's sister was the well-known Impressionist painter Mary Cassatt.

[edit] Legacy

In World War II the United States liberty ship SS A. J. Cassatt was named in his honor.

[edit] References


Preceded by
Frank Thomson		 President of Pennsylvania Railroad
1899 – 1906		 Succeeded by
James McCrea
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