Hudson, George (1800-1871), became known in the United Kingdom as the Railway King because of his ownership of many of the country’s railroads. At one point in his career, he controlled more than 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) of railroad. Hudson began speculating in railroads in 1828, after inheriting 30,000 pounds. In the mid-1840’s, he bought two railroads that were losing money. Soon all his railroads were in trouble, and he went bankrupt in 1848.
Hudson was born in March 1800 near York, in Yorkshire, England. He was lord mayor of York three times, and he also served as a member of Parliament for Sunderland. He died on Dec. 14, 1871.
