James McHenry (lawyer)

James McHenry (born circa 1817, died 1891) was a prominent American lawyer and land speculator in the mid-19th century. While overshadowed by his namesake, James McHenry (Secretary of War under Presidents George Washington and John Adams), this later James McHenry made a significant impact on legal and financial matters, particularly in the realm of railroad development.

McHenry gained notoriety through his involvement in railway construction and finance, specifically his dealings with the Atlantic and Great Western Railroad. He acted as a financial agent and contractor, securing significant influence over the railroad's operations. His methods were often controversial, attracting scrutiny for financial manipulations and conflicts of interest, contributing to the railroad's eventual financial instability and collapse.

McHenry's activities extended beyond the Atlantic and Great Western. He invested in various other railroad ventures and land deals, accumulating considerable wealth. His financial practices were subject to legal challenges and public debate.

Despite the controversies, McHenry remained a figure of influence within business and legal circles. His life and career provide a case study in the complex and sometimes ethically dubious world of 19th-century railroad finance. He was a key player in shaping the economic landscape of the time, though his legacy remains complicated by questions surrounding his business ethics.