Baltimore and Ohio Rail Road Co. signed by Louis McLane - 1842-1847 dated Autographed Stock Certificate

Early Stock signed by Louis McLane. Nice!

Louis McLane, born in Delaware in 1786, was a prominent 19th-century American statesman who held several high-ranking federal positions under the Andrew Jackson administration. Initially representing his state in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate, McLane transitioned to diplomatic and cabinet roles. He served as the U.S. Minister to the United Kingdom and later held two significant cabinet posts: Secretary of the Treasury (1831–1833) and Secretary of State (1833–1834). During the Bank War, McLane sought a compromise regarding the rechartering of the Second Bank of the United States, positioning himself as a moderate amidst the era’s intense political divisions.

Beyond his political career, McLane made notable contributions to the early American economy and infrastructure. After leaving public office, he served as the president of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad from 1837 to 1847, a period crucial for the expansion of American rail transport. In 1845, he briefly returned to diplomacy to assist in negotiating the Oregon boundary dispute with Great Britain under President James K. Polk. McLane remained actively involved in public life until his death, eventually serving as a delegate to the Maryland Constitutional Convention in 1850. His legacy as a dedicated public servant and versatile leader in both government and industry was further solidified by these contributions.