As many viewers have mentioned, locals pronounce Albany "AHHHHHHL banny." I apologize for the error. I do make an effort to be correct in local pronunciation. If you are annoyed by it, realize that you are likely pronouncing someone else's town incorrectly. Please forgive my humble mistake and give me some slight credit for Oneonta, which I am told many fellow New Yorkers often mispronounce.
No worries, it's just a point of interest to those of us who have never heard it pronounced that way before! If you're feeling really adventurous, we have plenty of other interesting town names people love to mispronounce: Canandaigua, Irondequoit, Canajoharie...
Not a problem. Locally I live in the county of Alachua. There is also a nearby town called Alachua. Same spelling, different pronunciation. A few other areas also seem to have unique pronunciations. It's a way of figuring out whether or not someone is local, or new in the area.
This tunnel is literally 200 feet from my house, still in regular use. I never knew it was even that old, let alone that there was all this history behind it! Thanks for yet another awesome video THG!
This channel is restoring my faith in solid agenda-free history being taught on RUclips. I'm very grateful. Please keep making videos! The channel makes the platform better.
@kcotte59 I guess I'm referring to a hidden political agenda. But someone else here in the comments offered, "agenda neutral." That sounds good to me. The History Guy's agenda is to teach me history that's worth remembering. And so far, he's doing a pretty good job.
Love my US railroads (railways), rather odd being a Swede living in Glasgow, UK! Delaware & Hudson was my love closely followed by the Norfolk & Western, nowadays I've got a soft spot for the Western Maryland, Reading, Lehigh Valley, Gulf, Mobile & Ohio, New York, New Haven & Hartford. Since then there's a company that I've gone completely daft about, Chicago, Milwaukee, St Paul & Pacific....the Milwaukee Road! One of my best friends back in the old country, he's Delaware, Lackawanna & Western/Erie/Erie Lackawanna mad.... Keep 'em awesome videos coming! 👍🏻👌🏻👏🏻
I discovered the History Guy about a month ago. Though I am a Canadian, I was schooled in the USA for 6 years as a boy. I love the attention to detail and the well edited videos, keep up the great work.
Bill Samuel hello from another Canuck. I found this great channel about a year ago and can say you’ll find more than just American history here. One of the many things The History Guy does so well. I also love the quality of the subscribers and their comments. Enjoy!
Thank you for a great history lesson. I grew up on Long Island where many of the robber barons Gold Coast Estates were located. It seems that history teaches us that politicians, judges and tycoons haven’t changed in the past 150 or so years. Listening to your history sounds a lot like listening to current news about court injunction’s and stays. Thank you for a great job and as to the pronunciation of Albany well you got Oneonta right.
This is undoubtedly one of my favorite channels I watch it often very often but I can't help but mention how funny it is how he continually mispronounces the city of Albany this guy is awesome
This was interesting. On one of the maps shown quickly was the small town I went to high school in, Blossburg, PA. The train tracks on that spur of the Erie RR went by my high school just on the other side of the street. The line was basically destroyed and shut down by Hurricane Agnes flooding in 1972. I can assure you, none of us had any idea of the history of that railroad. Now I know. Thanks for this story. Hurricane Agnes could be one of your stories.
A "must view" channel for anyone interested in historical events, and particularly some of the lesser known actors and vignettes. Thank you, Your efforts are appreciated!
My paternal family comes from New York, having arrived in 1755 during the French & Indian War settling in New Durlach, later renamed Sharon, NY. Later my family moved to Binghamton and then to Oneonta. Some of my childhood was spent living in Oneonta next to the Delaware and Hudson rail line, the successor to Albany & Susquehanna. As kids we waved to the engineers and brakemen as they passed by. So hearing the history of this railway line was of great interest to me. Thanks for the story!
I can't help but be reminded of the parallels between that era and today. I guess that's what history is about. Thanks for yet another thought provoking episode!
Hair pulling, scratches,and a few bumps. If lucky a few man bum(twat knots) removed. Not even enough for the keystone cops to be called. Of course, CNN, and MSNBC would run breaking news.....
Thanks history guy. I remember learning about Gould,Fisk,Tweed, and robber barons in general,but you've made this chapter of our history so much more interesting.
History doesn’t seem to be appreciated until we have accumulated some of our own personal history. This, in most cases take many years. I hope this historical presentation venue can be spread to younger viewers. Passing along historical items like “The Gilded Age” adds to younger peoples awareness of how many, many things which appear to be disconnected, are really very connected by outlying circumstance. Great subject, History Guy.....Keep up the good work....Oh yeah, I really enjoy your “shorts”.....
This is a story that could only happen in New York. The tale was told brilliantly. Love the channel, I love history too. May I suggest a story about Buffalo's infamous Blizzard of (19)77? It was the first time a federal national disaster was declared for a snow event. Everyone who lived though it will never forget it.
Another wonderful episode on a little known era, actors, and place in history. I salute the effort and professionalism you put into each and every one of these. Yours is among the very best channels that RUclips has to offer. *Huzzah, sir... I say, I say HUZzahhh!*
Hello History Guy! Along with your channel and Mark Felton Productions, I am hooked! I'm 45 years old, and used to love the History Channel. I learned more about history from the history channel, then I ever did in school. As you probably know, the history channel is no longer about history. I just wanted to say thank you, I love history as well. Your videos are amazing!
My family (Great Grandfather), was also involved with railroads in the late 1880's and because of crooked folks, caused my Grandfather to try and fight back, through the court system, The two main cases ended up in the Supreme Court of the United States. Although there no evidence that my Grandfather had done anything but stay on the legal side of the law, we lost both cases. The line in question left our family name, as a town in Wisconsin.. Humbird Wisconsin to be exact. But revenge can be good also, for shortly thereafter, my Great Grandfather partnered with Frederick Weyerhaeuse, so that between our operation in Sandpoint, Idaho (Humbird Lumber Co. & Diamond Match Co.) allowed us to be the first mill in the world, to run over a million board feet of finished lumber per day, in the first all electric mill. We had extensive RR holdings in Montana, Washington and Idaho, then shortly after WWI, we relocated our main operations to Chemainus, B.C. Canada. Known as the "Victoria Lumber & Manufacturing Company".. My Grandfather, John A. Humbird is pictured on a mural in Chemainus (left) along with McMillian, (right) which the mill was later sold to. muraltown.com/mural-art-gallery/31-lumber-barons#foobox-1/0/mural-31-the-lumber-barons.jpg Both mills had their own railroad systems and combined, had several thousands of miles of company owned rails.
@@brianmeek5236 : I had friends in Sandpoint. They had an A-Frame home out in the woods. "Humbird," huh? One of my best memories of the visit was HUMMINGBIRDS. My friends had feeders all around their back deck and the air was alive with the critters. So Sandpoint. Humbird. Hummingbirds. It fits.
Sandpoint's a beautiful place. Lake Pend O'Reille (Ponderay)... Just South, Couer-D'Alene has virtually merged with Spokane, Washington. Way too many people and I wonder what it's done to Sandpoint. I hope it's still as laid back as it was 30 years ago.
@@shoeshinegirl101 That, I don't know. Ours was located in Sand Point, Idaho, near the Humbird Lumber Company mill site. My best guess would be, that the group that purchased Diamond match from our family, may have been responsible for the Chico, California plant.
Thank you History Guy. I knew the broad outlines of the battle of Tunnel (or battle of Belden Hill), but I really enjoyed the backstory. I'm in Broome County, where this takes place, and I'm quite familiar with the local terrain. I've shared this with my friends.
I grew up in Oneonta when the D&H was still a nominally independent company and did railfan down at Belden Hill a few times. Another interesting take on the Battle of Belden Hill is in Jim Shaughnessy's book Delaware & Hudson. And good on you for pronouncing Oneonta correctly. I've found a lot of fellow New Yorkers don't even know where it is, I usually wind up having to say "It's near Cooperstown" or "Half way between Albany and Binghamton"
I always wanted to know more about the robber barons and rail road monopolies at the turn of the century... this was great way to wet my appetite and the subject is proving more colorful and complicated than I could have ever imagined. Thanks
I love learning about this period. I lived in China from 2013-16, and described as a combination of the guilded age (industrial revolution), the internet bubble (1999 craziness) and the post war economic growth periods all at once. We criticize China for corruption (or at least lacking rule of law), pollution, and unscrupulous business practice / greed. It's interesting that the USA experienced the very same issues over it's history...we just forgot. Which is definitely why this is history that deserves to be remembered.
Love the narrative. Also I like the insight at the end where THG (the history guy) explains how the historical events he previously described influenced later events
My great uncle and J P Morgan knew each well enough that they spoke to each other on a first name basis. He said Morgan was one of the most intimidating people he ever knew.
Thanks for this episode and all that you do. My 4th great grandfather was Treasurer and Secretary of the Albany and Susquehanna Railroad from 1853 until his death in Feb. 1863. His successor was Treasurer for 50 years and an exceptional packrat. The result is a treasure trove of documents in the New York State Archives from the inception of the company through to 1910.
I am aware of the Robber Barons but not the details. So I thank you for that. I must admit I found it all very exciting, what with all the dirty dealing and double crosses. Not to mention a three day battle. Gettysburg in miniature, almost. I was starting to think it would make an excellent television series it would make. Your reference to the railway share bubble caught my attention. We had something similar in 1845 which is referred to as the Railway Mania. The effects of the collapse in the share price was such that in August of that year the shares of the biggest railway, the Great Western Railway, lost 40% of its value in that one month. The effects of this collapse meant that for several years many businesses went bankrupt and ruined many middle class families who had invested in them. Something which may interest you. You in the US predominately refer to railroads whereas in the UK we call them railways. In Britain in the early says both words were in common use and it seems to be down to a matter of personal preference as to which one you used. Railway has eclipse railroad in Britain, though it did linger on for sometime. So I do wonder if when the railway went to America they picked up the word railroad as well.
Being a railfan myself, I love railroading stories like this one. It's sad that today so many of the rail lines are gone, as well as the railroads themselves. In the 60's when I was a kid there were dozens of "Class 1" railroads in the USA. Now it's just a handful of huge railroads. Anyway, love your railroad history stories. :-)
yes but the "robber barons" became the heroes of the Reagan Revolution: Greed is Good. Fancy think tanks rose up like the Heritage Foundation and American Enterprise Institute to convince everyone that the Robber Barons were the true heroes...
@The History Guy - I had always believed that the term "robber barons" was an exaggeration, however, thanks to your excellent history video, I now know that it was if anything an understatement!
And the 1,000's of Chinese (many of whom were killed in accidents, or died from disease) who were brought to N. California to build the railroads, for moving gold from newly found areas in Yreka, Siskiyou county.
Robber barons is a subject that'd take a series like on the History Channel once about Morgan, Rockefeller and Carnegie of about 6 hours in length! That's OK by me, though!
Thanks for this - I'm a native of Binghamton, so I'm very familiar with the locations involved. I see other viewers have corrected your pronunciation of "Albany" (I'd describe it as "Allbenny"), but you deserve credit for getting "Binghamton" right - a surprisingly large number of people seem to think it's "Bing-hampton".
History is our best mentor, and repeats itself frequently. We should all pay attention. 2020 is looking more and more like 1860 to me, and I am very disturbed by that comparison.
I played a board game named "1830, The game of Railroads and Robber Barons". It came out in the 80's from the Avalon Hill game company (now defunct). You played one of the Robber Barons, laying track in the NE States, paying dividends and manipulating stocks. No dice are used. Still one of the best railroad games out there today. Thank you, for a more detailed look into these practices that existed.
Love that you used "donnybrook." I've only known Canadians from Ontario and people from WNY to use that term. They use it all the time on the comedy show Letterkenny.
In south, central Michigan, my Granma, and Mother used that term all the time. As I got older and moved away, I had to look up words like "brawl" and "scuffle", just to be sure I recalled them correctly.
A dozen good movies or a miniseries could be made from these stories, yet we are mostly feed with thoughtless bloodbaths at the cinema. The corruption of Boss Tweed is legendary yet i have not heard of one decent dramatization; i suppose it just illustrates the depth to which the corporate claws have been sunk into our society_ some call it Fascism. Thanks History guy, your work is most refreshing.
It's useful to keep in mind that there is always two sides to every story and Tweed is no different. The attacks against Tweed came from the Upper crust society aristocrats that resented that his power base came from the despised immigrants that were being ruthlessly exploited in the Astor families slum system.
I enjoy the knowledge of history and the moments in history that you bring to light that otherwise would have been forgotten. You ask for content to explore. There was an incident of Henry Hudson and his ship, the HalfMoon. There was a mutiny were he and his son were put off the ship in a dingy. Could you see if anymore information is available? A vague story has been in my family for years and I was always curious of the circumstances. Thank you.
A distinctly convoluted story...….so I proceeded to the comments and very much liked killi mimes suggestion regarding you covering the statue of liberty that stands in the Susquehanna river near Harrisburg pa.
Two suggestions for future episodes..... the Catalpa rescue of the Fenian prisoners from Fremantle, West Australia , and the wreck ,mutiny and subsequent rescue of the Dutch East Indies ship Batavia on the Abrolhos islands. Both great stories and although well known at the time, now forgotten history.
I point out that the illustration of the A&S bond at 1:12 is an issue of 1906, when the line was under the control of the Delaware & Hudson, one of whose locomotives is shown by the engraving. It is almost fifty years after the story you tell. The D&H leased the A&S in 1870, as you say, but it still maintained a paper existence. Many railroads leased other lines to expand, often for terms of 999 years -- essentially, in perpetuity. 99 years was also a common term, and in recent years there have been corporate battles over who gets control of a favored route when a lease expires! I like the use of period photos and artifacts to illustrate your stories, and most people wouldn't have noticed -- after all, the A&S was an obscure and short-lived railroad in a century of hundreds (and thousands) of obscure, short-lived railroads. By the way, their choice of six-foot for the gauge indicates a possible hope of linking up with the Erie, which also used that gauge and served that area of New York and Pennsylvania.
No kidding, I grew up east of Albany and lived in Binghamton as well, I never knew of the tumultuous history of the rail line between the two. Love this channel.
Before I clicked on this video I asked myself, was this history that deserves to be remembered? Thankfully the history guy reassured me at the start of the video
I like the term "Robber Baron." It would look good on a business card. Like General Eisenhower during World War II, I have always wanted to be "Supreme Allied Commander" and put that on a business card. (Your "name" is pretty amusing, too.)
@Mike Evans how is a company using the government to seize land a free market enterprise? It's the definition of crony capitalism created by a government monopoly power.
Thank you for this. You did just fine. Daniel Drew started out as a cattleman. On driving his stock to market, he would have them drink before they were sold, by weight. Creating the term "watering stock". Something he practiced on Wall Street. Jay Gould was buried in his hometown of Roxbury, NY near my hometown. Buried in the same town is naturalist John Burroughs. Quite a contrast from a very small town.
Don’t know how you do it. Very good story. Railroads were an important part of making America. Lots of the names you mentioned were ruthless in other ways as well. Good to learn more.
02:56 - Interesting that Joseph Ramsay, an Elected Official, pushed through laws to allow a railway and then was put on the Board of Directors and then made Vice President - with all it's financial benefits. Thank god we no longer have politicians who protect the interest of Companies and then go on to work for them...!
@@barvdw "writing isn't the best channel for sarcasm" but you own response was "partly sarcastic," Erm, so 'part sarcasm' is OK? Well thank you, I'll *definitely* take that on board in future posts...😜
If you ever run short of topics, I would love to see an episode - or several episodes - on the stories behind the items on your walls and shelves behind you. They look like GREAT fodder for stories.
Allll...banny ..that’s the area I’m from ...grew up in the Mohawk valley ,,,you are just fine in your,pronouncing Albany ,,,,I loved just hearing about the area ..I loved Ticonderoga and the whole upstate Ny ..thank you for the video..I love all videos about upstate ny ,,,in the Capital District ,,,thank you ..home sweet home Albany it’s pronounced the way it’s written allll banny ...
if you go to the community tab and scroll down - he showed a picture a few months back of his tie drawer! I'm sure the collection has grown since then... ;)
He doesn't have many self-tying ones, though, if I'm mistaken. Not that I have that many bow ties, I'm at 4 at the moment, 2 self-tying and 2 pre-tied.
@@HemlockRidge I was simply pointing out how political parties have come and gone, some have morphed or rapidly changed. Todays dominate parties have changed since the 50's especially through the 60's to today. Your odd response is not something I care to respond to as it would serve no purpose, would not be germane to THG's fine video and to me would be disrespectful to the time and effort put forth by THG to bring us his wonderful lessons.
@@TheHistoryGuyChannel Which, judging by the story of the A&S RR (and other RR) couldn't happen to a nicer bunch of people? Rather like the Diamond/Emerald/Ruby Mine scam in one of your earlier episodes? I have always had a great interest in American railroads, in spite of being British, but I never knew of the strife and corruption that drove them. Thanks for another fascinating episode.
All these working class men fighting each other to effectively only protect the power and position of their master who cares only for themselves, sad really.
I know the town in Georgia is pronounced AL-benny, and sometimes al- BEN-y, but I've never heard the capital of New York pronounced any way but AWL-benny. But I'm a native of Brooklyn, so maybe it is elsewhere. I dunno.
love your work, History Guy, and passion for your stories. Not only locals say 'AHHHL-banny,' but people throughout the NorthEast, at least those who've heard a NYrker, in-person or in media, say it. I'll listen for "Oneonta". I know how i say it, not whether that's correct. ('Own-y-on-tuh.')
As many viewers have mentioned, locals pronounce Albany "AHHHHHHL banny." I apologize for the error. I do make an effort to be correct in local pronunciation. If you are annoyed by it, realize that you are likely pronouncing someone else's town incorrectly. Please forgive my humble mistake and give me some slight credit for Oneonta, which I am told many fellow New Yorkers often mispronounce.
I did get a lil chuckle..
We like ur videos history guy
No worries, it's just a point of interest to those of us who have never heard it pronounced that way before!
If you're feeling really adventurous, we have plenty of other interesting town names people love to mispronounce: Canandaigua, Irondequoit, Canajoharie...
You also got Binghamton correct which strangely, people add letters to. Oh and shout out to Schenevus.
Not a problem. Locally I live in the county of Alachua. There is also a nearby town called Alachua. Same spelling, different pronunciation. A few other areas also seem to have unique pronunciations. It's a way of figuring out whether or not someone is local, or new in the area.
This tunnel is literally 200 feet from my house, still in regular use. I never knew it was even that old, let alone that there was all this history behind it! Thanks for yet another awesome video THG!
This channel is restoring my faith in solid agenda-free history being taught on RUclips. I'm very grateful. Please keep making videos! The channel makes the platform better.
Too true
@kcotte59 I think he means agenda neutral.
Indeed a refreshing, informative and thoroughly enjoyable destination. It shows what the internet could've been.
@@writerconsidered Quite honestly, I never imagined that my comment would need clarification! lol Oh well. Agenda Neutral it is! Sounds good to me.
@kcotte59 I guess I'm referring to a hidden political agenda. But someone else here in the comments offered, "agenda neutral." That sounds good to me. The History Guy's agenda is to teach me history that's worth remembering. And so far, he's doing a pretty good job.
Love my US railroads (railways), rather odd being a Swede living in Glasgow, UK! Delaware & Hudson was my love closely followed by the Norfolk & Western, nowadays I've got a soft spot for the Western Maryland, Reading, Lehigh Valley, Gulf, Mobile & Ohio, New York, New Haven & Hartford. Since then there's a company that I've gone completely daft about, Chicago, Milwaukee, St Paul & Pacific....the Milwaukee Road!
One of my best friends back in the old country, he's Delaware, Lackawanna & Western/Erie/Erie Lackawanna mad....
Keep 'em awesome videos coming! 👍🏻👌🏻👏🏻
I discovered the History Guy about a month ago. Though I am a Canadian, I was schooled in the USA for 6 years as a boy. I love the attention to detail and the well edited videos, keep up the great work.
what about the bow ties?
@@jaewok5G The add a certain formality to the presentation. Thumbs up.
Bill Samuel hello from another Canuck. I found this great channel about a year ago and can say you’ll find more than just American history here. One of the many things The History Guy does so well. I also love the quality of the subscribers and their comments. Enjoy!
@ Bill, please search back through THG's videos and find the segment on The Toronto Circus Riot of 1855.
@@jaewok5G LOVE THEM! (From Sudbury Region)
Thank you for sharing the history of the A&S. I’ve worked on the line for many years as an engineer on A&S successor, Delaware and Hudson.
Thank you for a great history lesson. I grew up on Long Island where many of the robber barons Gold Coast Estates were located. It seems that history teaches us that politicians, judges and tycoons haven’t changed in the past 150 or so years. Listening to your history sounds a lot like listening to current news about court injunction’s and stays. Thank you for a great job and as to the pronunciation of Albany well you got Oneonta right.
This is undoubtedly one of my favorite channels I watch it often very often but I can't help but mention how funny it is how he continually mispronounces the city of Albany this guy is awesome
This was interesting. On one of the maps shown quickly was the small town I went to high school in, Blossburg, PA. The train tracks on that spur of the Erie RR went by my high school just on the other side of the street. The line was basically destroyed and shut down by Hurricane Agnes flooding in 1972. I can assure you, none of us had any idea of the history of that railroad. Now I know. Thanks for this story.
Hurricane Agnes could be one of your stories.
A "must view" channel for anyone interested in historical events, and particularly some of the lesser known actors and vignettes. Thank you, Your efforts are appreciated!
You are the history teacher no one has anymore. Or they would love history
My paternal family comes from New York, having arrived in 1755 during the French & Indian War settling in New Durlach, later renamed Sharon, NY. Later my family moved to Binghamton and then to Oneonta. Some of my childhood was spent living in Oneonta next to the Delaware and Hudson rail line, the successor to Albany & Susquehanna. As kids we waved to the engineers and brakemen as they passed by. So hearing the history of this railway line was of great interest to me. Thanks for the story!
History that Deserves to be remembered. Another GREAT story.
I can't help but be reminded of the parallels between that era and today. I guess that's what history is about. Thanks for yet another thought provoking episode!
I am waiting for Apple employees to go fight with Facebook employees in a 3 day brawl. Of course we know no one would be hurt.
Hair pulling, scratches,and a few bumps.
If lucky a few man bum(twat knots) removed.
Not even enough for the keystone cops to be called.
Of course, CNN, and MSNBC would run breaking news.....
Think of all the smartphones smashed and manicures ruined. It would be tragic...
Chad Perkins Robots coming soon... seriously.
ROFTL
@@knutdergroe9757 ~You forgot windmill fists of terror.
Thanks history guy. I remember learning about Gould,Fisk,Tweed, and robber barons in general,but you've made this chapter of our history so much more interesting.
History doesn’t seem to be appreciated until we have accumulated some of our own personal history. This, in most cases take many years. I hope this historical presentation venue can be spread to younger viewers. Passing along historical items like “The Gilded Age” adds to younger peoples awareness of how many, many things which appear to be disconnected, are really very connected by outlying circumstance. Great subject, History Guy.....Keep up the good work....Oh yeah, I really enjoy your “shorts”.....
This just blows me away. Thank you for this. We have a rich past that is not always nice.
When the History Guy's grandchildren ask their grandpa for a story, they'll surely get their money's worth.
My dad used to tell me stories like this. He was something of a polymath.
Forget the pronunciation police. You breathe life into history that deserves to be remembered. Thank you.
This is a story that could only happen in New York. The tale was told brilliantly.
Love the channel, I love history too.
May I suggest a story about Buffalo's infamous Blizzard of (19)77? It was the first time a federal national disaster was declared for a snow event. Everyone who lived though it will never forget it.
I was a baby but oh the stories I have heard since!
Another wonderful episode on a little known era, actors, and place in history. I salute the effort and professionalism you put into each and every one of these. Yours is among the very best channels that RUclips has to offer. *Huzzah, sir... I say, I say HUZzahhh!*
Great storing I live in the Binghamton area and I have been to this tunnel I knew some of the history but not the whole story thank you so much.
Hello History Guy! Along with your channel and
Mark Felton Productions, I am hooked! I'm 45 years old, and used to love the History Channel. I learned more about history from the history channel, then I ever did in school. As you probably know, the history channel is no longer about history. I just wanted to say thank you, I love history as well. Your videos are amazing!
My family (Great Grandfather), was also involved with railroads in the late 1880's and because of crooked folks, caused my Grandfather to try and fight back, through the court system, The two main cases ended up in the Supreme Court of the United States. Although there no evidence that my Grandfather had done anything but stay on the legal side of the law, we lost both cases. The line in question left our family name, as a town in Wisconsin.. Humbird Wisconsin to be exact. But revenge can be good also, for shortly thereafter, my Great Grandfather partnered with Frederick Weyerhaeuse, so that between our operation in Sandpoint, Idaho (Humbird Lumber Co. & Diamond Match Co.) allowed us to be the first mill in the world, to run over a million board feet of finished lumber per day, in the first all electric mill. We had extensive RR holdings in Montana, Washington and Idaho, then shortly after WWI, we relocated our main operations to Chemainus, B.C. Canada. Known as the "Victoria Lumber & Manufacturing Company".. My Grandfather, John A. Humbird is pictured on a mural in Chemainus (left) along with McMillian, (right) which the mill was later sold to.
muraltown.com/mural-art-gallery/31-lumber-barons#foobox-1/0/mural-31-the-lumber-barons.jpg
Both mills had their own railroad systems and combined, had several thousands of miles of company owned rails.
Genesis1313 live about 20 miles from Humbird, always wondered where the name came from
@@brianmeek5236 : I had friends in Sandpoint. They had an A-Frame home out in the woods. "Humbird," huh? One of my best memories of the visit was HUMMINGBIRDS. My friends had feeders all around their back deck and the air was alive with the critters. So Sandpoint. Humbird. Hummingbirds. It fits.
Sandpoint's a beautiful place. Lake Pend O'Reille (Ponderay)... Just South, Couer-D'Alene has virtually merged with Spokane, Washington. Way too many people and I wonder what it's done to Sandpoint. I hope it's still as laid back as it was 30 years ago.
There was a diamond match company in Chico California. Was that related...?
@@shoeshinegirl101 That, I don't know. Ours was located in Sand Point, Idaho, near the Humbird Lumber Company mill site. My best guess would be, that the group that purchased Diamond match from our family, may have been responsible for the Chico, California plant.
Thank you History Guy. I knew the broad outlines of the battle of Tunnel (or battle of Belden Hill), but I really enjoyed the backstory. I'm in Broome County, where this takes place, and I'm quite familiar with the local terrain. I've shared this with my friends.
Please, more "Gilded Age" history the deserves to be repeated...
Albany! I work there and live 8 minutes from there. Love seeing somewhere so close on the history guy.
I grew up in Oneonta when the D&H was still a nominally independent company and did railfan down at Belden Hill a few times. Another interesting take on the Battle of Belden Hill is in Jim Shaughnessy's book Delaware & Hudson. And good on you for pronouncing Oneonta correctly. I've found a lot of fellow New Yorkers don't even know where it is, I usually wind up having to say "It's near Cooperstown" or "Half way between Albany and Binghamton"
I always wanted to know more about the robber barons and rail road monopolies at the turn of the century... this was great way to wet my appetite and the subject is proving more colorful and complicated than I could have ever imagined. Thanks
I love learning about this period. I lived in China from 2013-16, and described as a combination of the guilded age (industrial revolution), the internet bubble (1999 craziness) and the post war economic growth periods all at once. We criticize China for corruption (or at least lacking rule of law), pollution, and unscrupulous business practice / greed. It's interesting that the USA experienced the very same issues over it's history...we just forgot. Which is definitely why this is history that deserves to be remembered.
Love the narrative. Also I like the insight at the end where THG (the history guy) explains how the historical events he previously described influenced later events
My great uncle and J P Morgan knew each well enough that they spoke to each other on a first name basis. He said Morgan was one of the most intimidating people he ever knew.
Thanks for this episode and all that you do. My 4th great grandfather was Treasurer and Secretary of the Albany and Susquehanna Railroad from 1853 until his death in Feb. 1863. His successor was Treasurer for 50 years and an exceptional packrat. The result is a treasure trove of documents in the New York State Archives from the inception of the company through to 1910.
Amazing. Who would have thought all this was occurring years ago in my back yard. Thanks for sharing.
Wouldn't know what to do without you, HG...you make our past come alive, from the well known to the obscure...😊
I am aware of the Robber Barons but not the details. So I thank you for that.
I must admit I found it all very exciting, what with all the dirty dealing and double crosses. Not to mention a three day battle. Gettysburg in miniature, almost. I was starting to think it would make an excellent television series it would make.
Your reference to the railway share bubble caught my attention. We had something similar in 1845 which is referred to as the Railway Mania. The effects of the collapse in the share price was such that in August of that year the shares of the biggest railway, the Great Western Railway, lost 40% of its value in that one month. The effects of this collapse meant that for several years many businesses went bankrupt and ruined many middle class families who had invested in them.
Something which may interest you. You in the US predominately refer to railroads whereas in the UK we call them railways. In Britain in the early says both words were in common use and it seems to be down to a matter of personal preference as to which one you used. Railway has eclipse railroad in Britain, though it did linger on for sometime. So I do wonder if when the railway went to America they picked up the word railroad as well.
Being a railfan myself, I love railroading stories like this one. It's sad that today so many of the rail lines are gone, as well as the railroads themselves. In the 60's when I was a kid there were dozens of "Class 1" railroads in the USA. Now it's just a handful of huge railroads. Anyway, love your railroad history stories. :-)
"Became extraordinarily wealthy on dubious business practices." Things have not changed at all.
It puzzles me why people would ever expect things to change in the first place.
yes but the "robber barons" became the heroes of the Reagan Revolution: Greed is Good. Fancy think tanks rose up like the Heritage Foundation and American Enterprise Institute to convince everyone that the Robber Barons were the true heroes...
...." he who gathers little by little, shall prosper....." oh, what Book did this phrase, come from ??? America back to GOD... united.
My thoughts EXACTLY.
@The History Guy - I had always believed that the term "robber barons" was an exaggeration, however, thanks to your excellent history video, I now know that it was if anything an understatement!
LOL. You thought the term was an exaggeration? Lordy. Save us from people who don't know history! Glad you know better now!
Please do another story on the railroad robber barons. There were a few talking points here that could be elaborated on.
The story behind the transcontinental will curl your hair!
And the 1,000's of Chinese (many of whom were killed in accidents, or died from disease) who were brought to N. California to build the railroads, for moving gold from newly found areas in Yreka, Siskiyou county.
Oh yes, I know there's a lot to be said.
Robber barons is a subject that'd take a series like on the History Channel once about Morgan, Rockefeller and Carnegie of about 6 hours in length! That's OK by me, though!
How about fellows who sold shares in railroads that never saw a foot of track ever laid ⁉
Thanks for this - I'm a native of Binghamton, so I'm very familiar with the locations involved. I see other viewers have corrected your pronunciation of "Albany" (I'd describe it as "Allbenny"), but you deserve credit for getting "Binghamton" right - a surprisingly large number of people seem to think it's "Bing-hampton".
A pleasure to listen and learn.👤🚂
Thank you very much Sir🛤🛤🚈🚃
I just found your channel yesterday, must say I enjoyed it immensely thank you so much. Your attention to detail is amazing!
History is our best mentor, and repeats itself frequently. We should all pay attention.
2020 is looking more and more like 1860 to me, and I am very disturbed by that comparison.
I played a board game named "1830, The game of Railroads and Robber Barons". It came out in the 80's from the Avalon Hill game company (now defunct). You played one of the Robber Barons, laying track in the NE States, paying dividends and manipulating stocks. No dice are used. Still one of the best railroad games out there today. Thank you, for a more detailed look into these practices that existed.
Love that you used "donnybrook." I've only known Canadians from Ontario and people from WNY to use that term. They use it all the time on the comedy show Letterkenny.
tilly time, boys!
@@allgasnoclass TARPS OFF
In south, central Michigan, my Granma, and Mother used that term all the time. As I got older and moved away, I had to look up words like "brawl" and "scuffle", just to be sure I recalled them correctly.
it's a very underrated/underused word for sure
Also used in Australia to describe a wild fight. There's a town in Victoria called Donnybrook
Love your video's. Love history especially obscure snippets that are often forgotten. Thanks !
Another great episode. Big fan.
These genre of stories definitely have more relevance today than ever
A dozen good movies or a miniseries could be made from these stories, yet we are mostly feed with thoughtless bloodbaths at the cinema. The corruption of Boss Tweed is legendary yet i have not heard of one decent dramatization; i suppose it just illustrates the depth to which the corporate claws have been sunk into our society_ some call it Fascism. Thanks History guy, your work is most refreshing.
It's useful to keep in mind that there is always two sides to every story and Tweed is no different. The attacks against Tweed came from the Upper crust society aristocrats that resented that his power base came from the despised immigrants that were being ruthlessly exploited in the Astor families slum system.
I recently finished a book on Vanderbilt and learned all about Gould and Diamond and the Erie war. He was an amazing man.
I enjoy the knowledge of history and the moments in history that you bring to light that otherwise would have been forgotten. You ask for content to explore. There was an incident of Henry Hudson and his ship, the HalfMoon. There was a mutiny were he and his son were put off the ship in a dingy. Could you see if anymore information is available? A vague story has been in my family for years and I was always curious of the circumstances. Thank you.
Love the train ones! Really all the History Guy stuff but I'd love to see more train related ones
Got this one before bed..Thank you and goodnight...
Another incredibly interesting piece of history! Thanks!
I agree with Nancy. It is a pleasure too lission too your video's.Your hard work and research hours I enjoy. Regards Bruce McKay 🇦🇺🙃🏄♂️.
Native of Binghamton here so this was local history I had never heard of. Absolutely fascinating.
A distinctly convoluted story...….so I proceeded to the comments and very much liked killi mimes suggestion regarding you covering the statue of liberty that stands in the Susquehanna river near Harrisburg pa.
Two suggestions for future episodes..... the Catalpa rescue of the Fenian prisoners from Fremantle, West Australia , and the wreck ,mutiny and subsequent rescue of the Dutch East Indies ship Batavia on the Abrolhos islands. Both great stories and although well known at the time, now forgotten history.
I point out that the illustration of the A&S bond at 1:12 is an issue of 1906, when the line was under the control of the Delaware & Hudson, one of whose locomotives is shown by the engraving. It is almost fifty years after the story you tell. The D&H leased the A&S in 1870, as you say, but it still maintained a paper existence. Many railroads leased other lines to expand, often for terms of 999 years -- essentially, in perpetuity. 99 years was also a common term, and in recent years there have been corporate battles over who gets control of a favored route when a lease expires!
I like the use of period photos and artifacts to illustrate your stories, and most people wouldn't have noticed -- after all, the A&S was an obscure and short-lived railroad in a century of hundreds (and thousands) of obscure, short-lived railroads.
By the way, their choice of six-foot for the gauge indicates a possible hope of linking up with the Erie, which also used that gauge and served that area of New York and Pennsylvania.
I can only use images in the Public Domain, and there are only so many of those. Images are for illustration only.
@@TheHistoryGuyChannel I understand. So many older images are still under copyright because of the arcana of copyright law.
Larry Brennan stock certificates that were printed in the 1800s would all be in the Public Domain, there were just no pictures of them available.
It's amazing how this escalated from hiding the books in the cemetery to, "There's their locomotive! Ramming speed!"
Thanks, this is local history I did not know.
No kidding, I grew up east of Albany and lived in Binghamton as well, I never knew of the tumultuous history of the rail line between the two. Love this channel.
Great stuff!
Wow a head on train collision and 3 day brawl with guns involved yet no deaths, if that happened today everyone would be dead. 👍
Idk it sounds like they certainly tried lol
By Far! My Favorite RUclips channel. Thank you for the attention to detail and context!
Love your videos thanks
Some history can’t be told in 15 minutes or less. This is one of those lessons
Very enjoyable
Thanks
Frank
Before I clicked on this video I asked myself, was this history that deserves to be remembered? Thankfully the history guy reassured me at the start of the video
I truly love your channels pls keep it up.
wow, this should be turned into a movie just to unravel what all went on. its hard to keep up!
I, personally, think we need to bring back the expression "Robber Baron."
seconded
I like the term "Robber Baron." It would look good on a business card. Like General Eisenhower during World War II, I have always wanted to be "Supreme Allied Commander" and put that on a business card. (Your "name" is pretty amusing, too.)
@Mike Evans Yes. And pitchforks and torches are just one of these market corrections. ;)
@Mike Evans how is a company using the government to seize land a free market enterprise? It's the definition of crony capitalism created by a government monopoly power.
You've never heard of Bob Murray?
Love the laugh around minute 9. Your videos are so good. As a NY native, hearing Al-bany instead of All-bany was really hard but I applaud this video!
Now do a video on the statue of liberty that stands in the Susquehanna river near Harrisburg pa.
perhaps using the word - please - would enhance your chances - THG is not yours to command.
Did you know that every state has a replica of the SOL?
Wurd
Soon liberals will tear down the statue of liberty
The French constructed 2 statues at the same time the other sits in the Sienne river in Paris and faces the U.S.
Thank you for this. You did just fine. Daniel Drew started out as a cattleman. On driving his stock to market, he would have them drink before they were sold, by weight. Creating the term "watering stock". Something he practiced on Wall Street. Jay Gould was buried in his hometown of Roxbury, NY near my hometown. Buried in the same town is naturalist John Burroughs. Quite a contrast from a very small town.
History to remember.Ya!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm both pleased and surprised that RUclips didn't ban this channel yet.
Thank you for sharing your passion.
a donnybrook! tilly time! tarps off boys!
Don’t know how you do it. Very good story. Railroads were an important part of making America. Lots of the names you mentioned were ruthless in other ways as well. Good to learn more.
02:56 - Interesting that Joseph Ramsay, an Elected Official, pushed through laws to allow a railway and then was put on the Board of Directors and then made Vice President - with all it's financial benefits. Thank god we no longer have politicians who protect the interest of Companies and then go on to work for them...!
Yes, there does seem to have been a conflict of interest going on.
Are you being sarcastic? I think you are being sarcastic. I wouldn't mind if you are sarcastic, but it doesn't do well in writing.
@@barvdw It's pretty obvious, it works fine, even you think it's sarcastic. If I explained it, it wouldn't be sarcasm.
@@JohnDoe-tx8lq My response was partly sarcastic, but I honestly wasn't entirely sure. As I said, writing isn't the best channel for sarcasm...
@@barvdw "writing isn't the best channel for sarcasm" but you own response was "partly sarcastic," Erm, so 'part sarcasm' is OK? Well thank you, I'll *definitely* take that on board in future posts...😜
If you ever run short of topics, I would love to see an episode - or several episodes - on the stories behind the items on your walls and shelves behind you. They look like GREAT fodder for stories.
So what you're saying is politics haven't changed
or these things are cyclical... time for a new progressive era.
@@MrYowen88 that's just plain silly. We are in the dredges of progressive order now.
Wow, the description of the fight scene brings to mind the fight scene from Blazing Saddles..
history comes alive,,,2019.
Union Pacific 4014
Union Pacific 4014.
Union Pacific 4014.
Allll...banny ..that’s the area I’m from ...grew up in the Mohawk valley ,,,you are just fine in your,pronouncing Albany ,,,,I loved just hearing about the area ..I loved Ticonderoga and the whole upstate Ny ..thank you for the video..I love all videos about upstate ny ,,,in the Capital District ,,,thank you ..home sweet home Albany it’s pronounced the way it’s written allll banny ...
How many different bow ties do you have, HG?
if you go to the community tab and scroll down - he showed a picture a few months back of his tie drawer! I'm sure the collection has grown since then... ;)
Today's tie is fetching.
He doesn't have many self-tying ones, though, if I'm mistaken. Not that I have that many bow ties, I'm at 4 at the moment, 2 self-tying and 2 pre-tied.
The American Railway expansion has soooo many stories...but you picked out a good one. Never heard of this battle at the tunnel
Boss Tweed set the standard for dirty politicians lol.
Crooked *ss Democrats
@@HemlockRidge Yep...The more things change, the more things stay the same.
@@HemlockRidge Just the opposite of today, funny how things change with time.
@@timan2039 You mean the party that ran a presidential candidate that Peter Principled out at First Lady, and who is a liar, and a murderer?
@@HemlockRidge I was simply pointing out how political parties have come and gone, some have morphed or rapidly changed. Todays dominate parties have changed since the 50's especially through the 60's to today. Your odd response is not something I care to respond to as it would serve no purpose, would not be germane to THG's fine video and to me would be disrespectful to the time and effort put forth by THG to bring us his wonderful lessons.
thank you again for your research and presentation..... also the captions...... they help me to get it all
We so need a new progressive era. I would also like to hear the story of Lord Gordon Gordon. Thanks for the lesson, it was illuminating.
Yes, that story will likely be another episode. He was a complete impostor who bilked one of the richest men in the world.
@@TheHistoryGuyChannel Which, judging by the story of the A&S RR (and other RR) couldn't happen to a nicer bunch of people? Rather like the Diamond/Emerald/Ruby Mine scam in one of your earlier episodes? I have always had a great interest in American railroads, in spite of being British, but I never knew of the strife and corruption that drove them. Thanks for another fascinating episode.
wow crazy story, I knew nothing about this like a lot of the stuff on your channel. Thanks for enlightening me.
All these working class men fighting each other to effectively only protect the power and position of their master who cares only for themselves, sad really.
Very cool content, as always, i am so happy i found this channel. Yes i'm a new subscriber and fellow lover of history.
Is it possible to add closed captioning to your videos?
It is turned on. Sometimes it takes a bit for it to load on RUclips after a video is posted.
I love the connection to Gordon Gordon! Great video!
I know the town in Georgia is pronounced AL-benny, and sometimes al- BEN-y, but I've never heard the capital of New York pronounced any way but AWL-benny. But I'm a native of Brooklyn, so maybe it is elsewhere. I dunno.
No you're right it's ALLBANY
you're right. After hearing 'Al-ben-ee' for the umpteenth time i jut couldn't listen any more. History guy, we love you but it's "Awl-ben-ee"
@@TheMotorick yeah that was killing me throughout the program. Made my ears cringe! Lol!
@Joe Milosch Many of the perpetual inhabitants are quite foreign to other Americans!
I'm from upstate, and it's the same up here: AWL-benny. This is the first time I've heard it pronounced differently.
love your work, History Guy, and passion for your stories. Not only locals say 'AHHHL-banny,'
but people throughout the NorthEast, at least those who've heard a NYrker, in-person or in media, say it. I'll listen for "Oneonta". I know how i say it, not whether that's correct. ('Own-y-on-tuh.')
Please make more stories about airplanes ✈️
Thank you!!! Great Channel!!!