William Collins Whitney

American financier and politician

William Collins Whitney - American financier and politician
Born

July 5th, 1841
184 years ago

Died

February 2nd, 1904
121 years ago — 62 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

United States

Links & References

Served as the 31st United States Secretary of the Navy from 1885 to 1889. Played a significant role in modernizing the U.S. Navy during a pivotal time of naval expansion. Worked as a financier and investor, contributing to various enterprises, and engaged in Democratic Party politics. Actively involved in the establishment of several important city institutions, significantly impacting urban development in New York City. Influenced policies affecting naval strategy and shipbuilding.

Served as 31st Secretary of the Navy

Modernized the U.S. Navy

Contributed to New York urban development

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