How did Vanderbilt begin building his fortune?
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with shipping (ferries, steamships)
From a small ferry service grew an empire.
💡 Did you know? That is why he was called the „Commodore“.
All questions with answers
Which transport sector did Vanderbilt later dominate?
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the railways
He bought and connected key rail lines.
💡 Did you know? The railroad became the backbone of the US economy.
By what nickname was Vanderbilt known?
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the Commodore
The title comes from his time as a shipping magnate.
💡 Did you know? It stuck with him for life.
Which famous New York station goes back to Vanderbilt?
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Grand Central
He had a forerunner of today’s station built.
💡 Did you know? Grand Central is still a landmark of New York today.
As what did Vanderbilt die in 1877?
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as the richest American
His fortune exceeded that of the US Treasury.
💡 Did you know? He left behind an enormous sum.
From what background did Vanderbilt come?
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from humble circumstances
At 16 he bought his first small boat.
💡 Did you know? He had barely any schooling.
What did Vanderbilt found with his fortune?
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a powerful dynasty
His descendants built lavish mansions and estates.
💡 Did you know? Much of the fortune, however, was soon squandered.
Which university in Nashville did the railroad magnate endow?
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Vanderbilt University
It is still one of the elite universities of the USA.
💡 Did you know? It was one of his few large donations.
Foto: unattributed · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
Which billionaire is shown here?
Show answer
Cornelius Vanderbilt
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