Deaths on February 14

Fernando Wood, American merchant and politician, 73rd Mayor of New York City (b. 1812)

Fernando Wood: A Divisive Force in 19th-Century New York Politics

Fernando Wood (June 14, 1812 – February 13, 1881) was a highly influential yet controversial American Democratic Party politician whose career significantly shaped New York City during a period of immense growth and national upheaval. Beyond his political roles, Wood was also a successful merchant and real estate investor, leveraging the burgeoning opportunities in a rapidly expanding metropolis. He notably served as the 73rd and 75th Mayor of New York City and represented the city for multiple terms as a United States Representative.

Early Career, Business Acumen, and Political Ascent

Wood's initial rise in politics was closely tied to Tammany Hall, the powerful Democratic political machine in New York City known for its intricate network of patronage and influence. Before his prominent mayoral service, Wood held an initial term in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1841 to 1843, gaining early experience in national governance. Following this, he strategically stepped back into private life, where he amassed a considerable fortune. His entrepreneurial spirit drove him into profitable ventures in real estate speculation, capitalizing on New York City's explosive population growth and expanding urban footprint. Concurrently, he became deeply involved in maritime shipping, a cornerstone of New York's economy, further solidifying his wealth and influence through the city's bustling port trade.

Controversial Mayoral Terms: Power Struggles and Corruption

Fernando Wood's mayoralty was marked by both ambitious governance and widespread controversy. He was first elected mayor in 1854, serving three non-consecutive terms (1855–1857, 1859–1861, and 1861–1863). His time in office was characterized by an almost dictatorial vision of executive power, where he sought to centralize authority and control within the mayor's office. This approach, combined with a political landscape rife with patronage, led to accusations of significant political corruption within the city's appointed offices, most notably impacting the New York City police force. Wood's appointments often prioritized loyalty, creating a system vulnerable to influence-peddling and inefficiency.

His advocacy for unilateral reform of the city charter, aimed at strengthening mayoral power and granting New York City greater "home rule"—meaning more autonomy from state control—brought him into direct and often hostile conflict with the Republican-controlled New York State Legislature. This ongoing power struggle between municipal and state authority was a defining feature of his time as mayor. One particularly intense clash involved a state-mandated charter revision that aimed to curb his power. This revision ultimately led to the premature conclusion of his second term in office and resulted in his arrest, a dramatic demonstration of the state's resolve to challenge his authority. Despite these significant setbacks and the political turmoil, Wood's enduring popularity among certain segments of the populace allowed him to return to the mayor's office for a final term, elected in 1860 for the term beginning in 1861.

Congressional Influence and National Stature

After concluding his final term as mayor, Wood transitioned back to national politics, where he secured election to several more terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. His later congressional career was extensive, spanning sixteen years from 1863 to 1881. During this period, he became a senior and respected figure within the Democratic Party. In his final two terms in the House (1877–1881), Wood ascended to the prestigious position of Chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means. This powerful committee holds immense influence over national finance, taxation, and tariffs, underscoring Wood's significant legislative acumen and his ability to navigate complex economic policy at the federal level.

Civil War Era: Southern Sympathies and Secessionist Proposal

Throughout his career, Fernando Wood was a vocal proponent of states' rights and expressed strong political sympathies for the American South, a stance that became particularly controversial during the American Civil War. As a prominent "Copperhead" Democrat, he advocated for a negotiated peace with the Confederacy rather than military confrontation. In a highly contentious move in January 1861, just weeks before the war officially began, Wood suggested to the New York City Council that the city should declare itself an "independent city-state" or a "free city." This audacious proposal, often referred to as the "Greater New York" secession plan, was primarily motivated by economic concerns. Wood argued that such a declaration would allow New York City to continue its lucrative cotton trade with the Confederate States, bypassing federal blockades and wartime taxes, which he believed would severely damage the city's prosperity. This proposal, while ultimately rejected, highlighted the deep divisions and economic anxieties within New York City concerning the war.

In the House of Representatives, Wood remained a staunch opponent of President Abraham Lincoln and his administration's war policies, frequently criticizing measures such as conscription and the suspension of habeas corpus. He was also one of the leading voices against the Thirteenth Amendment, which aimed to abolish slavery. His opposition was rooted not only in states' rights ideology but also in concerns about the economic disruption and social changes that the abolition of slavery might bring, particularly for industries in New York that relied on Southern cotton and commerce.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fernando Wood

When did Fernando Wood serve as Mayor of New York City?

Fernando Wood served as the 73rd and 75th Mayor of New York City in three non-consecutive terms: 1855–1857, 1859–1861, and 1861–1863.

What were some key controversies during his mayoralty?

His mayoralty was marked by accusations of political corruption, particularly within the police force, and a dictatorial style of leadership. He also engaged in significant power struggles with the Republican-controlled New York State Legislature over city charter reforms and home rule, which led to the premature end of his second term and his arrest.

What was Fernando Wood's stance during the American Civil War?

Wood was a "Copperhead" Democrat who sympathized with the American South. He notoriously proposed that New York City declare itself an independent city-state to continue its profitable cotton trade with the Confederate States. He was also a vocal opponent of President Abraham Lincoln's war policies and the Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished slavery.

What significant roles did he hold in the U.S. House of Representatives?

Beyond his initial single term (1841–1843), Wood served for an additional sixteen years (1863–1881) in the House. In his final two terms, he chaired the powerful House Committee on Ways and Means, overseeing national finance, taxation, and tariffs.

How did Fernando Wood make his fortune outside of politics?

Fernando Wood built a substantial fortune through shrewd real estate speculation in a rapidly growing New York City and successful ventures in maritime shipping, leveraging the city's status as a major international port.