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Charles T. HindeIndustrialist, tycoon and entrepreneur
Date of Birth: 12.07.1832
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Biography of Charles Hind
- Difficult Beginnings
- Entrepreneurial Ventures
- Diverse Business Interests
- Hotel Del Coronado
- Later Years and Legacy
Biography of Charles Hind
Early Life and EducationCharles Hind, an industrialist, magnate, and entrepreneur, was born in Urbana, Ohio. His father was a Methodist minister, and due to his profession, the family frequently moved from place to place. Charles' father also dabbled in real estate speculation, and his earnings allowed him to purchase a large plot of land, which later became the city of Mount Carmel, Illinois, where the Hind family eventually settled. After completing school, Charles enrolled in university but had to drop out after the untimely death of his parents.
Difficult Beginnings
Without a degree, Charles could only find low-paying jobs, such as a clerk in a grocery store. However, he inherited a substantial amount of land from his parents, which provided enough income for Charles and his siblings to live comfortably.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Charles initially started his entrepreneurial journey in the river business. He began as a clerk and quickly rose through the ranks to become a steamboat captain. Later, he sold his company and moved to Evansville, Indiana, as the railroad industry posed new competition to river transportation.
Diverse Business Interests
After selling his company, Charles focused on his health before delving into various business ventures. His attempt at grain trading failed, but he found success in real estate and hotel business, collaborating with prominent businessmen like John Diedrich Spreckels, E.S. Babcock, and the Reid Brothers. Charles and his partners embarked on different entrepreneurial projects and eventually moved to California.
Hotel Del Coronado
One of Charles Hind's most successful ventures was the Hotel del Coronado. Construction began on April 7, 1886, but setbacks occurred due to the economic downturn in 1893. The project resumed in 1897 when the economy recovered, and Charles actively managed the hotel until his death.
Later Years and Legacy
In his later years, Charles diversified his investments into mines and real estate in New Mexico. He also dedicated time to philanthropic projects and pursued various hobbies. In 1910, he purchased the most expensive car at the California Auto Show.
Charles Hind's success was not only attributed to his entrepreneurial skills but also his extensive connections with businessmen and politicians of his time. He passed away on March 10, 1915, at the age of 82.
