William Henry Vanderbilt was an American businessman and philanthropist. Known as "Billy," he was the eldest son of Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, an heir to his fortune and a prominent member of the Vanderbilt family. Vanderbilt became the richest American after he took over his father's fortune in 1877 until his own death in 1885, passing on a substantial part of the fortune to his wife and children, particularly to his sons Cornelius II and William. He inherited nearly $100 million from his father. The fortune had doubled when he died less than nine years later.
William Henry Vanderbilt
William Henry Vanderbilt's mansion on Fifth Avenue
Share of the New York and Harlem Rail Road Company, issued 31 October 1873, signed by William Henry Vanderbilt as president
1879 cartoon depicting Vanderbilt as "The Modern Colossus of (Rail) Roads"
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