Robert S. Brookings and His Legacy for the American People

Robert S. Brookings was an American entrepreneur and philanthropist. He was more popularly known for his contributions to St. Louis’ Washington University and for his efforts to establish the Brookings Institution.

Brookings was born on January 22, 1850 in Baltimore, Maryland. He grew up there until he was 17, when he moved to St. Louis, Missouri with his brother Harry. They worked with household goods wholesaler Cupples & Marston. In 1872, Robert and Harry managed the firm and grew during their tenure.

By the time Brookings was financially secure, he left the management of the company in 1895 and began involving himself in philanthropic activities. He became the Chairman of the Board of Washington University where he donated more than $5 million in cash and assets. He served the University until his death in 1932.

During the presidency of President Woodrow Wilson, Brookings was appointed to the War Industries Board in 1917. Later, he became the chairman of the Board’s Price Fixing Committee. As the chairman of this committee, he liaised between the different industries and the US government. He received the US Distinguished Service Medal.

Brookings founded the Institute for Government Research in 1916. Later, he also founded a school of public policy and an institute for economics. The three entities merged in 1927 which gave birth to the Brookings Institution.