The Road to Fortune: How General George S. Patton's Family Built Their Wealth
The story of General George S. Patton's family fortune is a fascinating tale of agricultural success, strategic investments, and real estate development that spanned multiple generations. This article explores how the Pattons accumulated their wealth and the impact this prosperity had on their famous family's legacy.
Early Beginnings
General George S. Patton's family deemed their fortune primarily through agriculture and real estate, with a significant part of their wealth derived from his grandfather George Smith Patton, a successful businessman.
Agricultural Ventures and Real Estate
The Pattons owned a vast tract of land in California known as the Patton Ranch, which was involved in various agricultural endeavors such as crop cultivation and livestock rearing. This agricultural success formed a crucial part of their financial standing. Additionally, his grandfather's investments in mining and railroads further augmented the family's wealth.
The Southern California Land Boom
The Pattons were also heavily involved in the Southern California land boom during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period of significant economic growth and development in the region. This period saw a surge in urbanization, land speculation, and property development, which the Pattons capitalized on to build their wealth.
Patton Family Society and Influence
These combined factors of agricultural success, strategic investments, and real estate development contributed significantly to the Patton family's financial standing. This prosperity allowed them to maintain a prominent position in society, which ultimately influenced George S. Patton's upbringing and career.
Family Background and Connections
A young Patton is shown smiling in a photograph with his Aunt Nannie, his mother's sister. His father, George S. Patton Sr., was a prominent figure in the family. He graduated from the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and later became a lawyer, eventually serving as the district attorney of Los Angeles County. His father was also a wealthy rancher and lawyer who owned a 1000-acre ranch near Pasadena, California.
Bloodline and Descendants
The family's legacy also included a strong connection to French Huguenot heritage through Louis DuBois. Additionally, Patton's maternal grandfather, Benjamin Davis Wilson, was a prominent merchant and the second mayor of Los Angeles. He owned significant property that contributed to Los Angeles's development, including what is now downtown Los Angeles and Mount Wilson, named in his honor.
Family Development and Legacy
Benjamin Davis Wilson's influence extended beyond his immediate family. He donated several acres of property to his son-in-law, James de Barth Shorb, who named the area San Marino. Other parts developed into Alhambra. Wilson's estate provided the foundation for future generations to build upon, including George S. Patton Jr., who would go on to become a renowned World War II general.
Conclusion
The wealth and influence of the Patton family were not only a result of their own efforts but also of the broader economic and social conditions of their time. Their story is a testament to the power of strategic investments and foresight, which ultimately shaped not only the Pattons' financial success but also the broader narrative of Southern California's development.