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Fairfax Harrison was a notable American lawyer and businessman born on March 13, 1869, whose contributions to the railroad industry were significant throughout his career. Born at a time when the country was in the throes of industrial growth, Harrison would grow to be an influential figure in American railway systems, profoundly impacting the future of American transportation.

After completing his legal studies, Harrison began his professional journey with the Southern Railway Company as a lawyer in 1896 during a pivotal period of railway expansion. His diligent work and understanding of both legal and business aspects of the industry propelled him in a decade to the position of the company’s vice-president of finance by 1906.

However, Harrison’s true moment of triumph came in 1913 when he was appointed as the President of Southern. Under his strategic leadership, Southern extensively broadened its operations, creating an impressive 8,000-mile (13,000 km) network that crossed 13 states and established the company’s dominant presence in the Southern United States.

As the United States entered World War I, the federal government took over the control of the railroads for wartime needs, marking a significant shift in the American railway industry. However, Harrison’s standing in the sector was recognized as he was appointed a member of the United States Railroad Administration, influencing the running of the railroads during a critical period in American history.

The end of the war brought forth new challenges for Harrison, primarily to revive the railroad’s reputation and influence. Harrison’s post-war era was characterized by his considerable efforts to enhance the railroad’s public relations and modernize its locomotive fleet through the inclusion of more robust engines. His vision also led to the expansion of the company’s total railway track and the area covered by the railway.

The Great Depression of the 1930s presented yet another set of challenges for Harrison, as he faced the daunting task of ensuring the survival of Southern during economic turmoil. Despite the crippling financial crisis, Harrison managed to turn things around for Southern, leading the company to profitability once again by 1936.

After a long, rewarding career that spanned four decades, Harrison retired from his position in 1937. Tragically, only three months post retirement, Fairfax Harrison passed away on February 2, 1938. His passing marked the end of an era in the history of American railroads; nonetheless, his work continues to echo in the realm of American transportation, evident in the vast network of railroads still in use today.

Fairfax Harrison’s life and work illustrate the interplay of legal acuity and business insight, leaving an indelible mark on the American transportation industry. His journey from a corporate lawyer to a railway pioneer underscores his visionary leadership, determination, and resilience in the face of historical circumstances that defined the United States during his lifetime. Through his contributions, Harrison remains a prominent figure in American railway history.

On the same day as Harrison’s birth, March 13th, in 1874, another significant individual, Ethel Reed was born. Reed was an internationally recognized American graphic artist. A photo of Reed from around 1895, taken by Frances Benjamin Johnston, is preserved in the U.S. Library of Congress and continues to be a testament to her legacy.

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