* He was a member of the California State Senate from 1861 to 1863 and used his position to further the interests of the Central Pacific Railroad. He helped pass laws that gave the railroad land and financial subsidies.
* He was also a member of the United States Senate from 1885 to 1893 and used his position to continue to promote the interests of the Central Pacific Railroad. He helped pass the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which banned Chinese immigration to the United States.
* He was a wealthy businessman and philanthropist who used his money to influence politics and shape the development of the Western United States. He founded Stanford University in 1885, which became one of the most prestigious universities in the country.
* However, he was also a ruthless and calculating man who was willing to do anything to achieve his goals. He was involved in numerous scandals and controversies during his lifetime, and his reputation has been tarnished in recent years.