John Pierpont Morgan, better known by his initials, J.P., was a major player in the development of the American financial system. His extraordinary ability to sustain the U.S. economy during times of crisis, as well as his significant contributions to art and philanthropy, are cornerstones of his unique legacy.

Transforming the American Financial System

J.P. Morgan was a major player in American finance in the late 19th and early 20th century. He was instrumental in the establishment of several large businesses, including General Electric and the United States Steel Corporation, the first corporation in history to earn $1 billion. These businesses not only reshaped their individual sectors, but also had far-reaching effects on the overall makeup of the American economy.

Making the American Economy More Secure

During the Panic of 1893 and the Panic of 1907, the United States economy needed J.P. Morgan's help to recover. Both times, he prevented a broad economic collapse by organizing a coalition of financiers to pump liquidity into the suffering economy. As a result of his efforts, he became known as the "savior of the U.S. economy."

A Lasting Impact in Finance and Beyond

Morgan's impact went well beyond the financial sector. As a result of his passion for art, he built one of the most important collections of his day, much of which he gave to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In New York City, he also founded what is now known as the Morgan Library & Museum, originally named after Pierpont Morgan.