The Credit Mobilier Scandal (a.k.a. 1st Major Corruption Scandal in US History)
Taking our scandal series to the next level, we look into one of the worst scandals in US history.
Ulysses S. Grant’s presidency is often considered to be one of the most corrupt in history, and with good reason, as two major scandals took place during his presidency.
The Credit Mobilier scandal was the first major corruption scandal in the wake of the Civil War. Starting in 1867, several high-ranking Republican congressmen (all close supporters of soon to be President Ulysses S. Grant), were given and/or purchased at below market prices stock in the Credit Mobilier of America company, which was involved in the funding and construction of the Union Pacific Railroad. The Congressmen then proceeded to grant a number of public subsidies and other gifts to the company to help line their own pockets. Another of themajor players was another future President: James A. Garfield.
Here is our other article on the other major scandal under President Grant, the whiskey ring scandal.