Self-Made: Charles "Broadway" Rouss, Mosby Ranger, Millionaire, Philanthropist

Self-Made, Charles "Broadway" Rouss: Mosby Ranger, Millionaire, Philanthropist

Charles “Broadway” Rouss (1836–1902) rose from hardship to wealth in one of the most remarkable rags-to-riches stories of his era. Born …

Self-Made, Charles "Broadway" Rouss: Mosby Ranger, Millionaire, Philanthropist

Charles “Broadway” Rouss (1836–1902) rose from hardship to wealth in one of the most remarkable rags-to-riches stories of his era. Born in Winchester, Virginia, and partially blinded in one eye as a boy, he served during the War for Southern Independence in Mosby’s Rangers (43rd Battalion Virginia Cavalry), riding in daring partisan raids across northern Virginia before being captured and imprisoned. After the war, nearly penniless, he moved to New York City, started in dry goods, and built a booming Broadway retail empire through sharp business instincts and bold advertising, becoming a millionaire. In later years, he gave generously back to Winchester and institutions like Washington and Lee University, cementing his legacy as both a former Ranger and a self-made philanthropist.

Rouss's life is quite remarkable, and Historian Eric Buckland has done a wonderful job compiling various stories and newspaper articles which outline the highlights of this mans accomplishments.