Robert Pitcairn

Robert Pitcairn was an American railroad executive who headed the Pittsburg Division of the Pennsylvania Railroad in the late 19th century.

Related Topics:
American - Railroad - Pennsylvania Railroad - 19th century

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Born in Scotland, he accompanied his parents to the United States and settled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His first job was as a messenger boy for the Eastern Telegraph Company where he worked alongside future steel magnate Andrew Carnegie. When Carnegie left to work for the Pennsylvania Railroad, he got Pitcairn a job as a ticket agent.

Related Topics:
Scotland - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - Magnate - Andrew Carnegie

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Both men worked their way up the corporate ranks rapidly. When Andrew Carnegie left the railroad to start Carnegie Steel, Pitcairn replaced Carnegie as head of the Pennsy's Pittsburgh operations. Carnegie Steel. He was also a friend and financial backer of George Westinghouse.

Related Topics:
Carnegie Steel - George Westinghouse

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Pitcairn ordered construction of a rail yard along Turtle Creek near Pittsburgh that would become the largest rail yard in the world. The borough of Pitcairn, Pennsylvania, located adjacent to the yard, was named in his honor.

Related Topics:
Borough - Pitcairn, Pennsylvania

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Pitcairn became somewhat infamous as a member of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club. The club, composed of wealthy Pittsburgh industrialists, owned the South Fork Dam which collapsed on May 31, 1889 causing the Johnstown Flood.

Related Topics:
South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club - May 31 - 1889 - Johnstown Flood

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