Cornelius Vanderbilt
Greatest Entrepreneur in the Industrial Period
Background Information
Cornelius Vanderbilt was born on May 27, 1794 and died January 4, 1877. Cornelius Vanderbilt was born in Staten Island, New York to Cornelius van Derbilt and Phebe Hand. He began a passenger ferry business in New York harbor with one boat, then he started his own steamship company, he eventually controlled the Hudson River traffic. He also provided the first rail service between New York and Chicago.
Legacy
Cornelius Vanderbilt is very important in our lives today because he provided the first rail line from Chicago to New York, this inspired others to compete with him, so others built railroads all across the country. His drive fueled industrialization in America and gave America a head start in economy.
5 accomplishments
- Died as the richest man in America earning 100 million dollars.
- School named after him.
- Largest company in America In his time.
- Lived in his 80's when life expectancy was in the 50's.
- Had a big house.