The Life of Hetty Green: The Witch of Wall Street

Unveiling Hetty Green

Who Was Hetty Green?

Hetty Green, born on November 21, 1834, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, earned her the title of the "Witch of Wall Street" due to her extraordinary financial acumen and notorious miserliness. Green was a true trailblazer in the male-dominated world of finance in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Hetty Green’s Early Years

Raised in a wealthy family, Hetty was exposed to financial dealings from a young age through her father, who was a shipowner and worked in finance. After her father's death, she inherited a significant fortune, which she managed with a frugal lifestyle that defined her persona as both a savvy investor and a miser.

Green's Legacy in Finance

Investing Strategies of Hetty Green

Green was known for her sharp investment strategies, often opting for undervalued properties and distressed bonds. Her skills earned her immense wealth, estimated to be around $100 million at the time of her death in 1916. Hetty was not afraid to buy when others were fearful, cleverly capitalizing on market downturns.

Hetty Green’s Public Persona

Despite her wealth, Hetty Green lived extremely frugally, famously wearing a worn black dress and often scouring the streets for bargains. This behavior, coupled with her aggressive business tactics, led to her being dubbed the "Witch of Wall Street" by the media, a title that she wore with a mix of pride and resilience.

Fun Fact

Did You Know Hetty Green?

One of the most interesting anecdotes about Hetty Green is that she would often eat cold oatmeal because she didn't want to spend money on additional fuel to cook it. This was just one example of her extreme penny-pinching ways despite her vast fortune.