Stephen Girard
(1750-1831)
merchant, financier, and philanthropist
Died aged c. 81
Wikidata WikipediaStephen Girard (May 20, 1750 – December 26, 1831; born Étienne Girard) was a naturalized American citizen, philanthropist, and banker of French origin. He singularly saved the U.S. government from financial collapse during the War of 1812 by personally financing the war, and is known to have been the first multi-millionaire in US history. He is estimated to have been the fourth richest American of all time, based on the ratio of his fortune to contemporary GDP. Childless, he devoted much of his fortune to philanthropy, particularly the education and welfare of orphans. His legacy is still felt in his adopted home of Philadelphia and his estate continues to fund philanthropic endeavors to this day.
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Commemorated on 1 plaque
Stephen Girard (1750-1831). Merchant, financier, philanthropist. Born in France, he came to this city in 1776. Girard gave strong support to both the First and Second Banks of the United States. By his will he established Girard College, which opened in 1848. Gentilhommiere, located here, was his country house after 1797. Girard added the center and western sections of the house and operated a 583-acre farm here.
Girard Park, S 21st & Shunk Sts., Philadelphia, PA, United States where they was