What Were The Vanderbilts Known For

So, you're curious about the Vanderbilts, huh? Let's grab a coffee and chat about these Gilded Age superstars. You might know them from those grand mansions or the famous last name, but what were they really known for?

Wealth, Duh!

Alright, let's start with the elephant in the room. The Vanderbilts were stinking rich. We're talking old money, like "I own a whole island" kind of rich. Cornelius "Commodore" Vanderbilt, the family patriarch, made his fortune in shipping and railroads. He was so loaded, he could've bought half of Manhattan for a weekend getaway.

Now, you might be thinking, "Big deal, so were the Rockefellers." But here's where the Vanderbilts really stood out:

They Spent It Like It's Hot

While the Rockefellers were busy being frugal and investing in oil, the Vanderbilts were flaunting their wealth like there's no tomorrow. We're talking extravagant parties, opulent mansions, and even a private yacht that could give the Love Boat a run for its money.

And let's not forget about their philanthropy. Sure, they might've built hospitals and libraries, but they also funded things like the New York Public Library's grand building and Vanderbilt University. It's like they were saying, "Hey, look what we can do with all this cash!"

Mansions Galore

Speaking of mansions, the Vanderbilts had so many, they could've started their own real estate empire. There was The Breakers in Newport, Rhode Island, a 70-room Italian Renaissance-style palazzo that's basically a museum now. Then there was Marble House, also in Newport, which was so grand, it made the Commodore's other homes look like dollhouses.

And get this, they had a mansion in New York City called The Triangle, because it was shaped like one. Talk about making a statement!

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Family Feuds and Drama

But it wasn't all sunshine and roses for the Vanderbilts. They were also known for their epic family feuds. There was the time Commodore disinherited his son William because he married a woman Commodore didn't approve of. Talk about a soap opera!

And let's not forget about the time Alice Vanderbilt, wife of Commodore's son Cornelius II, threw a massive party at The Breakers and invited everyone except her sister-in-law, Gertrude. The nerve!

Legacy Lives On

So, there you have it. The Vanderbilts were known for their wealth, their extravagance, their mansions, and their drama. But they also left a lasting legacy in the form of institutions, art, and architecture that we can still enjoy today.

Next time you're admiring a beautiful building or visiting a museum, you might just be looking at a piece of Vanderbilt history. Cheers to that!