An Unlikely Titan of Industry & Commerce: George Westinghouse

George Westinghouse (1846-1914) was an American inventor, engineer, and entrepreneur known for his pioneering contributions to the development of the electrical industry. He was a key figure in the late 19th century "War of Currents," a competition between Thomas Edison's direct current (DC) electrical system and Westinghouse's alternating current (AC) system. Westinghouse, with his engineers, provided power and light for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. His electric engines powered trains, and his air brakes stopped them. Westinghouse's most significant innovation was the development and promotion of AC electrical power transmission, which allowed electricity to be generated at power plants and efficiently transmitted over long distances. This AC system, coupled with Nikola Tesla's AC motor designs, became the foundation for modern electrical power distribution. Westinghouse's company, the Westinghouse Electric Corporation, played a crucial role in the spread of AC power systems across the United States. His legacy also extends to other fields, as he held over 300 patents in his lifetime, covering a wide range of inventions and innovations. His scientific contributions forever changed the world.