Northern Securities Company

The Northern Securities Company was an American railroad trust formed in 1901 by E. H. Harriman, James J. Hill, J. P. Morgan and their associates.

Both sought control of the Burlington to connect their roads to the vital railroad hub of Chicago, Illinois.

The two men, their backers, and associates agreed to settle their differences and eliminate ruinous competition through a monopolistic combination.

The Northern Securities Company was formed by Hill to control the stock of his major railroad properties.

A public outcry over the new company made its way throughout the country, and both state and federal officials prepared to file litigation.

[2] The Justice Department won the suit and the company was dissolved according to the 1904 Supreme Court ruling in Northern Securities Co. v. United States case, decided five to four.