The Vanderbilts, once one of America's wealthiest and most influential families, epitomized the excesses and eventual decline of the Gilded Age elite. The Vanderbilt family's wealth began with Cornelius Vanderbilt (1794-1877), known as "The Commodore," who built his fortune through the shipping and railroad industries. Cornelius's descendants also expanded the family's wealth and influence during the Gilded Age, a period marked by rapid economic growth and ostentatious displays of affluence. However, the early 20th century saw significant changes in the American economy and society with the rise of new industries, such as oil and steel, creating new centers of wealth and power. The democratization of wealth and the rise of new social and economic classes diminished the exclusivity and power of old-money families like the Vanderbilts. From the heights of luxury and influence during the Gilded Age to the gradual decline in the face of changing economic and social landscapes, the Vanderbilts' story is a testament to the transient nature of wealth and the enduring impact of cultural legacy.
Purpose: Learn about the rise and fall of high society in the US through a study of the Vanderbilt dynasty
Facilitators: Nancy Taylor, Mary Tousignant, Mo Winograd, Jan Johnson (Guest Presenter - Shadow Wood), Ruthmarie Mitsch (Guest Presenter - Lighthouse Bay)
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