Description
General William Mahone served as the president of the AM&O Railroad for its 10-year existence. Gen. Mahone first gained attention during the Civil War as a field commander, notorious for his unorthodox battle antics. Following the war, Mahone immersed himself in the political and business affairs of Virginia, becoming president of three different railroads at the same time. His energy and political savvy led the Virginia legislature to approve merging his three railroads into the AM&O. His detractors said the initials "AMO" stood for "All mine and Otelia's", Otelia being Mahone's wife.