Stanford, the owner of the Central Pacific Railroad and the son of a farmer in New York, started out as a lawyer and later after his office burnt down founded store after store. After setting up a wholesale business he became a senator and then the governor of California. After many years, he and Theodore Judah set up the Central Pacific Railroad of California, and because of his political influence and power the money was easily obtained to fund this endeavor. This effort finally ended in a spectacular race for the fastest tracklaying company and Central came out on top with 10.6 miles of track in one day.