Stephen Girard

The Inspiring and Insightful Life of an American Legend

Like a mirror of the young America he thrived in, Stephan Girard (1750-1831) displayed inexhaustible initiative, courage, tenacity, foresight, and compassion. Reflecting his creed of valuing deeds over words, he was in many ways the American Dream personified. George Wilson, a former columnist and editorial writer for The Philadelphia Inquirer, presents the inspiring true story of Girard's epic journey from ship captain to mercantilist to philanthropist-a genuine rags-to-riches tale in which Girard became one of the wealthiest Americans of all time. 

Born to a French sea captain, the self-educated Girard went to sea as a cabin boy on a merchant vessel when he was just 14. He later spent several years trading in the West Indies as a ship captain. In 1776, a British naval blockade drove him to dock in Philadelphia. Destitute and in debt, Girard settled there and opened a small store. It was here that his financial acumen and novel business methods shined, and his wealth grew. He sold supplies during the Revolutionary War and founded his own mercantile fleet after the war. By 1807 he'd become America's first millionaire. Girard earned praise and respect for selflessly remaining in Philadelphia to help nurse victims of several yellow fever epidemics, even as most other prominent figures fled.

Despite his extraordinary achievements, Girard faced significant challenges and hardships: born with a deformity that left him blind in one eye he persevered without the aid of family support, and he had the financial and emotional burden of caring for his mentally ill wife. Yet, in the face of these difficulties, he prospered and helped others. Following his death in 1931 most of Girard's vast fortune was left to philanthropic causes, including support for Girard College (initially a school for poor orphan boys) to provide educational opportunity for those in greatest need. Today Stephen Girard is remembered for his generous legacy of humanitarian public service and charity as much as his extraordinary financial success; a shining example of a truly great American. Wilson's Stephen Girard is the definitive biography of Girard's compelling life story.