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Cornelius Vanderbilt, also known as Commodore Vanderbilt was a shipping and rail tycoon who owned the New York Central Railroad.

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Born in Port Richmond,  Staten Island, N.Y.

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Born in Port Richmond,  Staten Island, N.Y.

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Cornelius quit school at age 11 and later bought his first boat in 1810 (aged 16). He started a small business where he ferried people to and from Staten Island and New York City.

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Vanderbilt was involved in building railroads. Previously, he was involved in the shipping industry ("NYC Railroad History").

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Some of his business is present today or has expanded, while some of his creations were taken down.

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The "Vanderbilt Era" began with the merging of the Hudson River Railroad with the New York Central ("NYC Railroad History").

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In 1869, he acquired Lake Shore & Michigan Southern which ran from Buffalo along the southern shore of Lake Erie through Cleveland, Toledo, and South Bend to Chicago ("NYC Railroad History").

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Hudson River Railroad and New York Central merged with Lake Shore & Michigan Southern to form the New York Central System.

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The New York Central System was made up of several other companies such as:
Michigan Central, Boston & Albany, Big Four Route, Pittsburgh & Lake Erie, Toledo & Ohio Central, Toronto, Hamilton & Buffalo, and Monongahela Railway ("NYC Railroad History").

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Even though he was a tougher business leader he was successful. He changed the world of business because he had created multiple different transportation systems that helped industries and factories. Since industries used his ways to get their products sold or transported, the industry was now making and selling more than they have before. (Hamilton, Neil.)

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Though he was only 70 when he started to take his companies to the next level, he still left a legacy that he could accomplish what he did in such a short time.

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He had moved into New York City to begin a steamboat trade. After this he continued to improve them and make them faster, more comfortable and better than everyone else's. (Hamilton, Neil.)

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Then when he was about 70 years old he decided to sell his steamboats and invest in the creation of railroads. (Hamilton, Neil.)

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Vanderbilt had treated his employees horribly because he thought that "There is no friendship in trade". ("How Did Cornelius...)

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In 1867 Vanderbilt bought a notoriously corrupt railroad called the Erie Railroad. The people who controlled the line (Daniel Drew, Jim Fisk and Jay Gould) began to print more stock to sell to him. Vanderbilt found out what was going on and sent out arrest warrants. Drew, Fisk and Gould escaped to New Jersey with six million dollars cash in their hands ("Business Scandal").

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Vanderbilt had been one of the main forces behind the construction of the Manhattan Grand Central. This had been torn down now by the Grand Central Terminal, but this may not have been put here if Vanderbilt didn't help construct the original station. Even though it is torn down we will know what the station was originally named and who is it was made by. (History.com Editors.)

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Vanderbilt was often regarded as a Robber Baron despite his high success. He was a cruel and selfish businessman.

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Though this isn't a business, Vanderbilt's mansion is still around today in Rhode Island and is used for touring and history facts.

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"You have undertaken to cheat me. I won't sue you, for the law is too slow. I'll ruin you."

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Overtime he would gain control of larger railways such as the Hudson River Railroad and the New York Central Railroad. (Hamilton, Neil.)

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Despite his massive fortune, not a cent was spared in order to improve working conditions for his employees. ("How Did Cornelius...)

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He would also pay these employees very low wages even after all they were doing to help him and his business. ("How Did Cornelius...)

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Even though he opened up numerous job opportunities through the expansion of his railroad business, his employees were forced to put up with extremely low wages and dangerous working conditions.

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He was a six foot giant of a man with a personal fortune of over 100 USD

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Died due to fatigue on Jan 4th, 1877

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Vanderbilt was the third wealthiest person in US history. His impact on the railway system has revolutionized transport

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He died with a fortune that would currently be valued at 2 trillion USD

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Admitted North American Railroad Hall of Fame in 1999