Otto Mears was a Russian-born entrepreneur who had a major impact on the development of Colorado. Born on May 3, 1840, he built the Million Dollar Highway over Red Mountain Pass and hundreds more miles of toll roads that opened up southern Colorado to settlement. His work was instrumental in the growth of the region and he is remembered as a pioneer of the American West.
Otto Mears is a member of Entrepreneur
Age, Biography and Wiki
💰 Net worth: $12 Million (2024)
About
Built the Million Dollar Highway over Red Mountain Pass and hundreds more miles of toll roads that opened up southern Colorado to settlement.
Before Fame
He settled on a career as a roadbuilder after hearing a complaint from a flour mill owner that he was having trouble moving his product over poorly built roads.
Trivia
He went to the East Coast to construct several successful lines there after a financial panic cost him control of many of his railroads in the West.
Family Life
He was born in Russia to a British father, and he went to live with relatives in the U.S. after he was orphaned at a young age.
Associated With
He and Edward Harriman both helped the early settlement of the West.