George Hearst was an American businessman and mining magnate born on April 3, 1820, in Missouri. He is best known for his significant role in the mining industry during the California Gold Rush and for founding the Hearst Corporation. Hearst's ventures included gold, silver, and other mineral extraction, which made him a wealthy figure in the 19th century. In addition to his mining success, George Hearst was also a politician, serving as a U.S. Senator from California from 1886 to 1891. He was the father of William Randolph Hearst, a prominent newspaper publisher who expanded the family's influence in media and journalism.