George Vanderbilt was the son of William Henry Vanderbilt, who was a millionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist. William’s father, Cornelia Vanderbilt (née Smith), was the daughter of George Washington Vanderbilt I, who is known as the “founder of the Vanderbilt family.” In 1864, he built Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina, which is now a tourist destination.
George’s brother was Cornelius Vanderbilt II, who succeeded his father as the leader of the family business and was also responsible for expanding the family fortune. He built The Breakers in Newport, Rhode Island and other grand estates around the world. His son, George Washington Vanderbilt II, also inherited much of the fortune and built another grand estate in Asheville, called Biltmore Village.
The youngest of George’s siblings was Reginald Claypoole Vanderbilt, who is remembered for his philanthropy. He established a scholarship fund at Harvard University and funded many other charitable causes. His son William Kissam Vanderbilt II was a racecar driver and the founder of the Long Island Motor Parkway.
George’s son, William Henry Vanderbilt III, was an engineer, who helped develop some of the earliest cars in the United States. His son Cornelius Vanderbilt IV was an avid collector of art and served as president of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
George’s granddaughter, Gloria Vanderbilt, was well known as an artist and designer. She had two sons: Anderson Cooper, the well-known journalist, and Carter Vanderbilt Cooper, who tragically took his own life in 1988 at the age of 23.
Today, George Vanderbilt’s descendants still maintain a presence in the business world and are involved with various foundations and organizations. They continue to be a prominent name in American history.
Related: Coppola family tree, George Washington family tree
Who was George Vanderbilt?
George Vanderbilt was the son of William Henry Vanderbilt, who was a millionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist. He built Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina, which is now a tourist destination.
What organizations are George Vanderbilt’s descendants involved with?
George Vanderbilt’s descendants still maintain a presence in the business world and are involved with various foundations and organizations. They continue to be a prominent name in American history.
What is Biltmore House?
Biltmore House is an estate located in Asheville, North Carolina that was built by George Vanderbilt in 1864 and is now a tourist destination. It was designed by the renowned architect Richard Morris Hunt. The grounds of Biltmore House feature gardens, trails, a winery, and other attractions. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North Carolina.
Who was Gloria Vanderbilt?
Gloria Vanderbilt was the granddaughter of George Vanderbilt. She was well known as an artist and designer, and she had two sons: Anderson Cooper, the well-known journalist, and Carter Vanderbilt Cooper, who tragically took his own life in 1988 at the age of 23.
What is The Breakers?
The Breakers is an estate located in Newport, Rhode Island that was built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II, the brother of George Vanderbilt. It is one of the most extravagant Gilded Age mansions in the United States and is now a tourist destination. The grounds feature formal gardens, trails, and other attractions. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Rhode Island.
What was William Kissam Vanderbilt II known for?
William Kissam Vanderbilt II, who was the son of Reginald Claypoole Vanderbilt, George’s brother, was a racecar driver and the founder of the Long Island Motor Parkway. He is remembered for his philanthropy as well.
Related: Vanderbilt family tree
FAQ:
Q: Who was George Vanderbilt?
A: George Washington Vanderbilt II was a member of the Vanderbilt family and the youngest son of William Henry Vanderbilt.
Q: When was George Vanderbilt born?
A: George Vanderbilt was born on November 14, 1862.
Q: Who was the progenitor of the Vanderbilt family?
A: The progenitor of the Vanderbilt family was a Dutch farmer named Jan Aertszoon van der Bilt who arrived in New York in 1650.
Q: Who was Cornelius Vanderbilt?
A: Cornelius Vanderbilt was a shipping and railroad magnate who founded the Vanderbilt family fortune in the 19th century.
Q: What is the Vanderbilt family known for?
A: The Vanderbilt family is known for their immense wealth and status as one of the richest families in American history.
Q: What is Biltmore Estate?
A: Biltmore Estate is a country estate located in Asheville, North Carolina that was built by George Vanderbilt in the late 19th century.
Q: Who was Edith Stuyvesant Dresser?
A: Edith Stuyvesant Dresser was a socialite and philanthropist who became George Vanderbilt’s wife in 1898.
Q: How did the Vanderbilt family become so wealthy?
A: The Vanderbilt family became wealthy through their involvement in shipping and railroad operations during the 19th century.
Q: What was the Vanderbilt family’s philosophy on wealth?
A: The Vanderbilt family believed in using their wealth for philanthropic purposes and giving back to society.
Q: How much was the Vanderbilt family worth at their peak?
A: The Vanderbilt family was worth approximately $200 million at their peak, making them one of the richest families in American history.
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