Focus on this artwork and discuss the Subject.
Baldwin, a native of Butler County, Ohio, traveled by covered wagon to San Francisco in 1853. He worked there as a real estate developer, livery owner and brick manufacturer.
He made a substantial fortune after the American Civil War in the Nevada Comstock Lode mining bonanza and used his profits to build a luxury hotel and theater in San Francisco at Powell and Market Streets, which he opened in 1877 (burned down 1898). He was a leading member of San Francisco's powerful and influential business community at the time and in 1875 he was elected the first president of the Pacific Stock Exchange.
Baldwin also became a nationally known breeder whose horses won most of the big races at the time including the most important, the American Derby, three times between 1885 and 1888. His ranch and farm land produced grains, citrus fruit and grapes that were used in award-winning wines, brandies and champagnes.Baldwin owned thousands of acres in Los Angeles County, including Rancho La Cienega, where oil fields were later developed that continue to produce petroleum to this day. His landholdings including what is now the community of Baldwin Hills and the cities of Baldwin Park and Sierra Madre.
Baldwin Park Butler County, Ohio Comstock Lode Sierra Madre American Derby Baldwin Hills