* Net Worth: $100 million (in 1877, equivalent to $2.3 billion in 2020)
* Source of Wealth: Shipping and railroads
* How He Made His Money:
* Vanderbilt started out as a ferry operator in New York City. He eventually built up a fleet of steamships and became one of the largest shipping magnates in the United States.
* In the 1850s, Vanderbilt entered the railroad business. He acquired several small railroads and merged them into the New York Central Railroad Company, which became one of the largest railroads in the country.
* Vanderbilt was a shrewd businessman and often used ruthless tactics to compete with his rivals. He was also known for his philanthropy, donating millions of dollars to various causes.
Additional Facts:
* Vanderbilt was born in 1794 on Staten Island, New York.
* He was the eldest of nine children.
* His father was a farmer and boatman.
* Vanderbilt left school at the age of 11 to help support his family.
* He started his own ferry business at the age of 16.
* Vanderbilt became a millionaire before he was 30 years old.
* He was married twice and had 13 children.
* Vanderbilt died in 1877 at the age of 82.