Cornelius Vanderbilt
Sign in to saveAmerican businessman and tycoon (1794–1877)
AI overview
Cornelius Vanderbilt was an American businessman and tycoon who lived from 1794 to 1877 and became one of the most influential figures in the development of transportation and commerce during the 19th century. His life and business ventures are significant because they shaped major industries like shipping and railroads, making him an important example of how individual entrepreneurs helped transform the American economy during this period.
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Person · Open Library
- Born
- 1898
- Died
- 1974
- Works
- 25
Top works
- The Living Past of America A Pictorial Treasury of Our Historic Houses and Villages
- Palm Beach
- Palm Beach
- Farewell to Fifth Avenue -[SIGNED]
- The Vanderbilt feud
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Listeners · Last.fm
- Listeners
- 6
- Total plays
- 9
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Recent publications · Crossref
5 total works indexed
Article
Cornelius Vanderbilt (May 27, 1794 – January 4, 1877), nicknamed "the Commodore", was an American business magnate who built his wealth in railroads and shipping. After working with his father's business, he worked his way into leadership positions in inland and coastal shipping, then invested in the rapidly growing railroad industry, which transformed the geography of the United States.
As one of the richest Americans in history and wealthiest figures overall, Vanderbilt was the patriarch of the wealthy and influential Vanderbilt family. He provided the initial gift to found Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. For his monopoly on shipping and the railroads, facilitated in part by political manipulation, Vanderbilt is often described as either a "captain of industry" or a "robber baron".
Gallery (12)
Connections
Categories
1794 births1877 deaths19th-century American business executives in rail transportationAmerican businesspeople in shippingAmerican Civil War industrialistsAmerican industrialistsAmerican railway entrepreneursBurials at the Vanderbilt Family Cemetery and MausoleumBusinesspeople from Staten IslandCongressional Gold Medal recipientsFlushing Institute alumni