William Palmer's railroad career was interrupted by the Civil War in which he was taken prisoner, rose to the rank of brigadier general at the age of 29, and received the Medal of Honor.
After the war, Palmer moved west, helping to build the Kansas Pacific Railroad and later founding the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad.
Palmer was the founder of the new city of Colorado Springs, in 1871. He was recognized for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in support of education.
Joyce B. Lohse brings the story of General William Palmer to the Filter Press Now You Know Bio series.