Charles C. Glover
Charles Carroll Glover | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Invalid birth date for calculating age Macon County, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | February 25, 1936 (aged 89) |
| Occupation(s) | Financier, philanthropist |
| Known for | President of Riggs Bank; key role in creation of Rock Creek Park, National Zoo, National Cathedral, Potomac Park, Glover-Archbold Park; City Beautiful movement advocate |
Charles Carroll Glover (November 24, 1846 – February 25, 1936) was a prominent American financier and philanthropist who played a pivotal role in shaping the urban environment of Washington, D.C. during the late 1800s and early 1900s. As President of Riggs Bank, he was a leading proponent of the City Beautiful movement and contributed substantial land and financial resources to enhance the capital’s parks and monuments.
Glover’s influence was crucial in the creation of Rock Creek Park, the National Zoo, the National Cathedral, Potomac Park, and Glover-Archbold Park. According to historian Cornelius W. Heine of the National Park Service, Glover was responsible for nearly 3,200 acres of parkland—almost half of all National Capital Parks—cementing his reputation as both a successful banker and visionary urban developer.
Early life
Born in Macon County, North Carolina to Richard Leonidas Glover and Caroline Piercy Glover, Charles Carroll Glover descended from notable ancestors including English-born socialite and poet Jane Cocking Glover and Maryland lawyer Charles Carroll Glover. At eight years old, he relocated to Washington, D.C. to reside with his grandmother.
Career
Glover’s banking career began in 1866 as a teller at Riggs & Company. By 1873, following the financial turmoil of the Panic of 1873, he advanced to chief administrative officer at age 27. After the death of founder George Washington Riggs in 1881, Glover became a partner and effectively led the institution.
When Riggs transitioned to a national bank in 1896, Glover assumed its presidency. He also oversaw construction of the new Riggs National Bank headquarters situated opposite the US Treasury Building. He retired from banking leadership in 1921.
Glover played an influential role in shaping monetary policy debates leading up to the Federal Reserve Act, submitting proposals for economic stabilization to Congress in 1908. Alongside figures such as Frank A. Vanderlip, he helped guide amendments to the Aldrich–Vreeland Act in 1914.
His leadership extended beyond banking; he served as Director of the Washington and Georgetown Railroad, a precursor to today’s Washington Metro, and held the presidency of the Washington Stock Exchange.
As a trusted banker for members of Congress and U.S. presidents, Glover was often invited to the White House. Historian Carlton Fletcher highlights his close rapport with President Theodore Roosevelt, despite their political differences.
Public advocacy and philanthropy
Beginning in 1881, Glover advocated transforming the mud flats along the west and south sides of the National Mall near the Potomac into public parks. Although railroad interests initially resisted, reclamation efforts commenced in 1882 under engineer Peter Conover Hains, including development of the Tidal Basin. In 1897, Glover successfully secured legislation establishing West Potomac Park and persuaded President Grover Cleveland to approve it—laying groundwork for the later McMillan Plan. This plan facilitated construction of landmark monuments such as the Lincoln Memorial and Jefferson Memorial.
In 1888, he championed creation of Rock Creek Park. Working with civic leaders like publisher Crosby Stuart Noyes and attorney Calderon Carlisle, he helped pass legislation founding both the National Zoo (1889) and Rock Creek Park (1890). He also co-founded the politically influential Washington Board of Trade in 1898.
Glover played a significant role in developing Massachusetts Avenue NW and contributed to establishing what became known as Embassy Row. His donation of land for the British Legation at 3100 Massachusetts Avenue in 1928 marked a defining moment for Embassy Row’s emergence.
He convened a meeting at his Lafayette Square residence in 1891 that launched construction efforts for the Washington National Cathedral. Anticipating Massachusetts Avenue’s extension beyond Rock Creek, he built his estate Westover near present-day Ward Circle in 1896, which became his daily commute base. Additionally, as a trustee, he was key in securing American University’s current campus northwest of Westover. The Charles C. Glover Memorial Bridge over Rock Creek was named in his honor during the late 1930s.
Beyond advocacy, Glover donated substantial acreage for park development. In 1924, he gifted approximately 80 acres contributing to Glover-Archbold Park, alongside oil heiress Anne Mills Archbold’s donation. He also provided land parcels in eastern D.C. During the early 1920s, he obtained funding for designing Arlington Memorial Bridge, completed about ten years later.
He held executive roles at cultural institutions including Vice-President and Treasurer of the Corcoran Gallery.
Personal life
On January 10, 1878, Glover wed Annie Cunningham Poor, the daughter of Charles Henry Poor. The couple had two children: Elizabeth Lindsay Glover and Charles Carroll Glover Jr. Elizabeth later married René de Marees van Swinderen, who served as the Dutch ambassador to the United States.
Glover, along with his wife, their son, and his daughter-in-law Marion Everett Wise Glover, are all laid to rest together in a family plot at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Legacy
Several landmarks bear Glover's name, including Glover-Archbold Park, the neighborhood of Glover Park, the Charles C. Glover Memorial Bridge, as well as Glover Road within Rock Creek Park and Glover Drive near Westover.
A plaque honoring Glover’s crucial contribution to the creation of the Washington National Cathedral was placed by his children in the church’s south nave.
At American University, where he held the position of treasurer on the Board of Trustees from 1891 until 1922, the main entrance gate on Massachusetts Avenue is named after him. Additionally, the Charles C. Glover Award—established in 1950—recognizes graduating seniors demonstrating outstanding citizenship and business leadership in service to the university.
Riggs Bank
During the 1880s, federal banking laws and antitrust regulations complicated trust fund management for commercial banks such as Riggs National Bank. In response, principal shareholders formed the American Security and Trust Company in 1889 to serve as a specialized trust institution.
Glover was instrumental in founding American Security and Trust. When planning the new Riggs building, he designated one wing for this trust company. The firm experienced continuous growth and moved in 1931 to a ten-story building located across the street.
Westover
Glover’s country estate, known as Westover, encompassed 30 acres bordered by what are now Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Cathedral Avenues NW, including land that would become Glover-Archbold Park. The mansion at 4300 Massachusetts Avenue was constructed in 1896. In 1920, part of this property was gifted to his son, Charles C. Glover Jr., who named his section Orchard Hill and built a Tudor-style home there. Following Glover’s passing, Westover was used as the Irish Embassy during the 1950s before being sold in 1959 to the National Presbyterian Church. The mansion was demolished in 1967 although the church relocated elsewhere. Orchard Hill was demolished in 1977 after Glover Jr.’s death. Over time, the estate’s land was developed into multiple residential complexes—including The Towers (1960), The Foxhall (1971), Westover Place (late 1970s), Sutton Towers (1979), Embassy Park (1981), Avalon at Foxhall (1982)—and now accommodates American University’s East Campus.
Assessment
Historian James M. Goode attributed a lasting and profound influence on Washington, D.C., to Charles C. Glover Sr., emphasizing his philanthropic contributions made well before tax incentives encouraged charitable giving. Goode also acknowledged Glover’s essential involvement in founding the National Arboretum through legislation passed by Congress in 1927.