George Peabody
American-British entrepreneur and philanthropist 1795-1869
Cornelius Vanderbilt
American businessman and tycoon (1794-1877)
Cornelius Vanderbilt was an American business magnate who built his wealth in railroads and shipping. He was one of the richest Americans in history and the patriarch of the Vanderbilt family. Vanderbilt provided the initial gift to found Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.
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About the Cornelius Vanderbilt
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, 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.
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. According to historian H. Roger Grant: “Contemporaries, too, often hated or feared Vanderbilt or at least considered him an unmannered brute. While Vanderbilt could be a rascal, combative and cunning, he was much more a builder than a wrecker […] being honorable, shrewd, and hard-working.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Cornelius Vanderbilt was an American business magnate who built his wealth in railroads and shipping. He was one of the richest Americans in history and the patriarch of the wealthy and influential Vanderbilt family.
Cornelius Vanderbilt was nicknamed ,the Commodore,.
Cornelius Vanderbilt invested in the rapidly growing railroad industry, effectively transforming the geography of the United States.
Cornelius Vanderbilt provided the initial gift to found Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.
According to historian H. Roger Grant, Cornelius Vanderbilt’s contemporaries often hated or feared him, or at least considered him an unmannered brute, but he was much more a builder than a wrecker and was honorable, shrewd, and hard-working.
Cornelius Vanderbilt worked with his father’s business before working his way into leadership positions in the inland water trade and investing in the rapidly growing railroad industry.
Cornelius Vanderbilt lived from May 27, 1794 to January 4, 1877.
5 Quotes by Cornelius Vanderbilt
- 1.
If I had learned education I would not have had time to learn anything else.
Cornelius VanderbiltAmerican businessman and tycoon (1794-1877)
- 2.
I don’t care half so much about making money as I do about making my point, and coming out ahead.
Cornelius VanderbiltAmerican businessman and tycoon (1794-1877)
- 3.
What do I care about law? Ain’t I got the power?
Cornelius VanderbiltAmerican businessman and tycoon (1794-1877)
- 4.
I have been insane on the subject of moneymaking all my life.
Cornelius VanderbiltAmerican businessman and tycoon (1794-1877)
- 5.
You have undertaken to cheat me. I won’t sue you, for the law is too slow. I’ll ruin you.
Cornelius VanderbiltAmerican businessman and tycoon (1794-1877)