The millionaires who frequented Jekyll Island were a prestigious group, known for their immense wealth and influence during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They formed a private club known as the Jekyll Island Club, which quickly gained a reputation as the richest and most exclusive club in the world.
One of the notable members of the club was J.P. Morgan, an American financier and banker who was one of the most powerful men in the country at the time. Morgan was known for his involvement in the railroad industry and his role in shaping the modern financial system. He was a key figure in the creation of U.S. Steel, General Electric, and other major corporations.
Joseph Pulitzer, another prominent club member, was a Hungarian-born American newspaper publisher who revolutionized the newspaper industry. He was the founder of the Pulitzer Prize and owned the New York World newspaper. Pulitzer was known for his investigative journalism and his advocacy for the working class.
William K. Vanderbilt, a member of the wealthy Vanderbilt family, was also part of the Jekyll Island Club. The Vanderbilt family was one of the wealthiest and most influential families in America during the Gilded Age. William K. Vanderbilt inherited a massive fortune from his family’s railroad and shipping businesses and was known for his extravagant lifestyle.
Marshall Field, a successful businessman and founder of the Marshall Field’s department store chain, was yet another notable member of the club. Field was one of the leading retail magnates of his time and played a significant role in shaping the modern retail industry.
These millionaires and other club members were drawn to Jekyll Island for various reasons. Firstly, they valued the island’s sense of splendid isolation, which allowed them to escape the pressures and scrutiny of their busy lives. The island provided a sanctuary where they could relax and enjoy the company of like-minded individuals.
The beautiful landscape of Jekyll Island was also a major draw for the club members. The island’s pristine beaches, lush vegetation, and mild climate offered a serene and picturesque setting for their leisure activities. They could indulge in outdoor pursuits such as golfing, horseback riding, and boating, all while surrounded by the island’s natural beauty.
Moreover, Jekyll Island’s exclusivity and privacy were highly appealing to these wealthy individuals. The island’s remote location and limited accessibility ensured that only a select few could gain entry to the club and enjoy its amenities. This exclusivity added to the allure of the Jekyll Island Club, making it a highly sought-after destination for the elite of society.
The millionaires who frequented Jekyll Island were a distinguished group of individuals who possessed immense wealth and influence. They formed the exclusive Jekyll Island Club and cherished the island for its splendid isolation, beautiful landscape, and moderate climate. The members, including J.P. Morgan, Joseph Pulitzer, William K. Vanderbilt, and Marshall Field, were drawn to the club for its privacy, exclusivity, and the opportunity to enjoy leisure activities in a luxurious and serene setting.