William Cornelius Van Horne

William Cornelius Van Horne – The first General Manager and later CEO of Canadian Pacific Railway was an American who became the youngest rail superintend in the world States side, then came to Canada to build the world’s longest railway line at the time. In competition with American transcontinentals south of Forty-Nine, he was rigorous in enforcing the “Canadian all the way” policy, including sidelining Canadian J.J. Hill who had hired him but was in conflict of interest as a builder/shareholder of Great Northern. Van Horne chose to remain in Canada, placing his mark on the country and turning down offers to return States side for a larger salary.