Cornelius Vanderbilt

Roger Jurman

Who was he?

0Also known as Commodore Vanderbilt0Reputation for being fiercely competitive and ruthless0 Industrialist in railroads and shipping0Born on May 27, 1794 and died on January 4,

1877(82years old)0He was born in Port Richmond, Staten Island, New

York.0Owned largest fortune in the U.S. at the time of his

death. (wealth was more than $100 million, which now would make around $190billion)

Success in one sentence

0He began a passenger ferry business in New York harbor with one boat, then started his own steamship company, eventually controlling Hudson River traffic.

Success step by step

0As a boy, worked with his father0As a teen he transported cargo with his own periauger0Acquired fleet of small boats and learned about ship

design.0Worked as a ferry captain0 In late 1820s started building his own steamships and

operating ferry lines around NY region.0 In the 1860s, Vanderbilt shifted his focus to the

railroad industry

Just something

0Married with his cousin and had 13 children with her.0Wife died, married with another cousin.0Built his massive fortune on sheer determination, will

and belief0He only had formal schooling through the age of 11

The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt