1919 Portrait of Finance Titan A.L. Erlanger

The photograph of A.L. Erlanger taken in 1919 showcases a prominent figure in the world of finance and commerce during the early 20th century. As a successful banker and financial magnate, Erlanger played a significant role in the economic landscape of the time. He was notably connected to various railway enterprises and held considerable influence in shaping the development of infrastructure in the United States.

Erlangers career in finance was marked by his ability to navigate the complexities of the burgeoning industrial economy. By the late 1910s, America was transitioning through significant changes, including the aftermath of World War I and the growth of corporate America. Figures like Erlanger were instrumental in funding major projects that supported this rapid development, influencing both local economies and national industries. This photograph, part of a series documenting influential individuals of the era, captures a moment in the life of a man deeply embedded in the financial mechanisms that drove the nations expansion during a transformative period.