The Life of Henry Bradley Plant Founder and President of the Plant System of Railroads and Steamships and Also of the Southern Express Company

"The Life of Henry Bradley Plant" by G. Hutchinson Smyth is a late 19th-century biography, recounting the story of Henry Bradley Plant, a key player in the South's railroad and steamship expansion after the Civil War. The biography highlights Plant's role in boosting the South's economy and making it more connected through his transportation networks. Beginning with Plant's family history, it traces his roots back to the Revolutionary War, showing how his ancestors influenced his character. The narrative then moves to his childhood in Connecticut, explaining how his father's early death and his mother's support shaped his ambition and prepared him for a successful career in transportation and business. The biography paints a picture of Plant's early life, showcasing the experiences and values that led him to transform the Southern economy with his innovative transportation system.