Origins and Rise

Founder: Cornelius Vanderbilt (1794–1877), also known as "The Commodore," was the family patriarch who built a transportation empire starting with steamboats and then railroads.

Wealth: Cornelius Vanderbilt amassed one of the largest fortunes in the U.S. during his lifetime, estimated to be in the hundreds of millions (which would be billions in today's dollars).

Legacy and Influence

The family played a key role in shaping American business, especially in shipping and railroads.

They were known for building grand mansions and estates, especially during the Gilded Age, like the famous Vanderbilt mansions in Newport, Rhode Island, and the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina.

The Vanderbilts were also patrons of the arts and philanthropy, contributing to universities, libraries, and cultural institutions.

Notable Members

Cornelius Vanderbilt II: Grandson of the Commodore, who expanded the family wealth and built the New York Vanderbilt mansions.

William Kissam Vanderbilt: Son of Cornelius II, a major figure in horse racing and American social circles.

Consuelo Vanderbilt: Famous socialite who married the Duke of Marlborough, linking American wealth with European aristocracy.

Alva Vanderbilt Belmont: Known for her role in the women's suffrage movement and social influence.

Modern Day

While the original Vanderbilt fortune was divided and diminished over generations, the family name remains synonymous with wealth, luxury, and American high society.