Jay Cooke was an American financier and banker, best known for his role in financing the American Civil War. He was born on August 10, 1821, in Sandusky, Ohio. Cooke established a successful banking firm and became a key figure in selling government bonds to fund the Union Army, significantly contributing to the war effort. In addition to his work during the Civil War, Cooke was involved in the development of the Northern Pacific Railway. His ambitious investments in the railroad led to financial difficulties, culminating in the collapse of his firm in 1873. Despite this setback, Cooke's impact on American finance and infrastructure remains notable.