Born in 1891 into the immense wealth of a railroad empire, W. Averell Harriman transitioned from a prominent Wall Street banker into a central architect of American foreign policy. His life spanned nearly a century of upheaval, marking a career that integrated private financial influence with the strategic mandates of the United States government during the mid-twentieth century.
Foundations in Finance
Following his graduation from Yale University in 1913, Harriman inherited a significant portion of his father's vast estate. He utilized this capital to establish W.A. Harriman & Co. in 1922. The firm expanded through a 1931 merger with Brown Bros. & Co., creating the investment bank Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. Beyond banking, his commercial portfolio included stakes in the Union Pacific Railroad, Merchant Shipbuilding Corporation, and the Polaroid Corporation.
Diplomatic and Wartime Service
Harriman pivoted toward public service during the New Deal era, starting with the National Recovery Administration. His role shifted to global affairs as a personal envoy to the United Kingdom and later as the United States Ambassador to the Soviet Union from 1943 to 1946. He played a key part in coordinating the Lend-Lease program and attending critical wartime conferences, subsequently becoming a primary advocate for containment policies.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Political and Policy Leadership
His tenure as United States Secretary of Commerce from 1946 to 1948 preceded his transition to the role of Special Representative in Europe. In 1954, he won the governorship of New York, serving until 1958. After leaving the executive mansion, he functioned as a senior Democratic foreign policy advisor, participating in the negotiation of the Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and serving as an official during the escalation of the Vietnam War.
Personal Interests and Legacy
Beyond his professional commitments, Harriman was a dedicated polo player and thoroughbred racing enthusiast. He competed under the name Arden Farm, claiming victory in the 1927 Jockey Club Gold Cup with his horse Chance Play. By the time of his death in 1986 at Yorktown Heights, he had received honors including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Four Freedoms Award.
Fast facts
- Born: 1891, New York City
- Died: 1986, Yorktown Heights
- Education: Groton School, Yale University
- Governor of New York: 1955–1958
- Ambassador to the Soviet Union: 1943–1946
- Presidential Medal of Freedom: 1969
- Buried: Arden
Questions readers ask
What major corporations did Harriman manage?
He was central to the leadership of the Union Pacific Corporation and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
Did Harriman serve in the Cabinet?
Yes, he served as the United States Secretary of Commerce from 1946 to 1948.
Which international treaties did he help negotiate?
He was a key negotiator for the Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty during the Kennedy administration.
Achievements
- Presidential Medal of Freedom — 1969
- Four Freedoms Award – Freedom Medal — 1983
- Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame
- Order of the Patriotic War
- Holdings: Arden
- Affiliated with Union Pacific Corporation
- Educated at Groton School and Yale University
