Cornelius Vanderbilt

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History & Society

Cornelius Vanderbilt

American industrialist and philanthropist [1794–1877]

Also known as: Commodore Vanderbilt

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Mar 7, 2024 • Article History

Cornelius Vanderbilt

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Category: History & Society

Byname:: Commodore Vanderbilt

Born:: May 27, 1794, Port Richmond, Staten Island, New York, U.S.

Died:: January 4, 1877, New York, New York (aged 82)

House / Dynasty:: Vanderbilt family

Notable Family Members:: son William Henry Vanderbilt

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Cornelius Vanderbilt (born May 27, 1794, Port Richmond, Staten Island, New York, U.S.—died January 4, 1877, New York, New York) American shipping and railroad magnate who acquired a personal fortune of more than $100 million. The son of an impoverished farmer and boatman, Vanderbilt quit school at age 11 to work on the waterfront. In 1810 he purchased his first boat with money borrowed from his parents. He used the boat to ferry passengers between Staten Island and New York City. Then, during the War of 1812, he enlarged his operation to a small fleet, with which he supplied government ...(100 of 478 words)

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