William Patterson (Maryland)


William Patterson was a businessman, a gun-runner during the American Revolution, and a founder of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. His many business dealings included shipping, banking, and the Baltimore Water Company.

Early life and career

Patterson was born in 1752 in Fanat, County Donegal, Ireland.
He was a founder of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. He was also a founder of the Merchants Exchange, the first president of the Bank of Maryland, and a founder of the Canton Company, a business established in 1828 by Patterson and Peter Cooper, most remembered for inventing and manufacturing the Tom Thumb steam locomotive.
He was reputed to be the second-wealthiest man in Maryland, after Charles Carroll of Carrollton.

Personal life

Patterson was married to Dorcas Spear. Together, they were the parents of:
Patterson died in 1835 in Baltimore, Maryland.

Philanthropy and legacy

In 1827, he donated the first five acres of land that became Baltimore's Patterson Park. The park, its namesake street and a high school to the east of it are named in his honor.