George Wingfield has been a major figure in Nevada history since 1912, when he turned down an appointment to the United States Senate. A political and economic titan, he made a fortune in the gold fields of central Nevada and promptly bought a chain of banks and several hotels. Wingfield was active in Republican party circles and influential among Democrats. In the 1920s he controlled both political parties. His power was legendary and prevailing, as demonstrated by the near collapse of the state when his chain of banks failed. For a number years Wingfield was described, without exaggeration, as the owner and operator of the state of Nevada.