Description: (American Civil Engineer and Industrialist)
John Edgar Thomson was an influential American civil engineer and industrialist who led the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) as its first chief engineer and later as its third president. Under his leadership, the PRR became the largest business enterprise globally, thanks to his technical proficiency and managerial acumen. Thomson catalyzed the railroad's growth and innovation, including the transition from wood to coal as locomotive fuel. His balanced approach, combining conservatism with forward-thinking strategies, solidified the Pennsylvania Railroad's reputation for technological advancement and financial resilience.