The Vanderbilt family is an American family who gained prominence during the Gilded Age. Their success began with the shipping and railroad empires of Cornelius Vanderbilt, and the family expanded into various other areas of industry and philanthropy. Cornelius Vanderbilt's descendants went on to build grand mansions on Fifth Avenue in New York City; luxurious "summer cottages" in Newport, Rhode Island; the palatial Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina; and various other opulent homes. The family also built Berkshire cottages in the western region of Massachusetts; examples include Elm Court.
Image: Cornelius Vanderbilt three quarter view (cropped)
Image: W.K. Vanderbilt LCCN2014685935 (3) (cropped)
Image: Governor of Rhode Island. Washington, D.C., March 8. LCCN2016877246 (cropped)(2)
Cornelius Vanderbilt
Cornelius Vanderbilt, nicknamed "the Commodore", was an American business magnate who built his wealth in railroads and shipping. After working with his father's business, Vanderbilt worked his way into leadership positions in the inland water trade and invested in the rapidly growing railroad industry, effectively transforming the geography of the United States.
Vanderbilt c. 1844–1860
Vanderbilt's mother, Phebe Hand
C. Vanderbilt, Hudson River steamer owned by Cornelius Vanderbilt (oil on canvas by James and John Bard)
Portrait of Vanderbilt by Nathaniel Jocelyn in 1846
