Have you ever heard of the Vanderbilt family? If you haven’t, you’re about to be blown away by how much the Vanderbilt family is worth today. The Vanderbilt family originated from the shipping and railroad industry in the late 19th century, which allowed them to accumulate an enormous amount of wealth. Today, the Vanderbilt family remains one of the most prominent and wealthiest in the world.
So, how much are the Vanderbilts really worth today? According to Forbes, they have an estimated net worth of $2.1 billion. While it may seem like a lot, the Vanderbilt family’s wealth has significantly decreased since their peak in the late 19th century, where they were worth over $230 billion in today’s money. The family’s wealth has been divided and dispersed over the generations, with different branches of the family exploring different industries and ventures.
Despite their wealth decreasing over time, the Vanderbilt family remains an iconic representation of the American dream. From humble beginnings, their hard work and success allowed them to achieve unprecedented wealth and status. Although their wealth may have dwindled, their legacy continues to inspire many to strive for success and attain their own definition of wealth.
The Vanderbilt Family History
The Vanderbilt family is known for their immense wealth and luxurious lifestyles during the Gilded Age in the United States. The family originated from Dutch immigrants who settled in New York during the 17th century. They earned their fortune through shipping and railroads. The most prominent member of the family was Cornelius Vanderbilt, who was also known as the “Commodore.”
Cornelius Vanderbilt was born in 1794 and began his career as a ferry operator in New York City. He eventually expanded his business interests to include steamships and railroads. He revolutionized the transportation industry in the United States and became one of the wealthiest men in the country during his lifetime.
After Cornelius Vanderbilt’s death, his descendants continued to amass wealth and establish their legacy. The Vanderbilt family owned some of the most prominent properties in the United States, including The Breakers in Rhode Island and the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina.
Notable Members of the Vanderbilt Family
- Cornelius Vanderbilt
- William Henry Vanderbilt
- Cornelius Vanderbilt II
The Vanderbilt Legacy Today
Despite the family’s wealth and popularity during the early 20th century, the Vanderbilt fortune has significantly decreased over the years. Many descendants of the Vanderbilt family have sold off their properties and businesses, and some have even fallen into financial ruin. However, the Vanderbilt name still holds a significant place in American history and culture.
According to Forbes, the Vanderbilt family has a collective net worth of around $2.5 billion. The majority of the family’s wealth is held by Anderson Cooper, who inherited an estimated $100 million from his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt.
The Vanderbilt Family Fortune Breakdown
| Family Member | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|
| Anderson Cooper | $200 million |
| Gloria Vanderbilt (deceased) | $200 million |
| William Vanderbilt (deceased) | $185 million |
| Cornelius Vanderbilt II (deceased) | $70 million |
Despite their decreased fortune, the Vanderbilt family remains one of the most prominent and well-known families in American history. Their legacy lives on through their properties, business ventures, and contributions to society.
The Vanderbilt fortune
The Vanderbilt family, a prominent American family of Dutch origin, rose to prominence during the Gilded Age, thanks to the success of Cornelius Vanderbilt, who amassed a fortune in shipping and railroads. Cornelius Vanderbilt was one of the richest Americans in history and his wealth was enormous. In today’s dollars, it would be around $200 billion.
- After Cornelius Vanderbilt’s death, his son, William Henry Vanderbilt, inherited the bulk of his fortune and increased it to nearly $200 million.
- The Vanderbilt family owned numerous properties, including The Breakers, a mansion in Newport, Rhode Island, and Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site in Hyde Park, New York.
- Despite their wealth, the Vanderbilt family faced a decline in their fortune over the years due to mismanagement and a lack of heirs.
Today, the Vanderbilt family is worth around $100 million, primarily from the assets left over from their illustrious past. The current wealthiest Vanderbilt family member is CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, who stands to inherit the majority of his mother’s estate. However, it would appear that the Vanderbilt fortune is no longer the extravagant fortune it once was.
| Name | Net worth |
|---|---|
| Anderson Cooper | $200 million |
| Gloria Vanderbilt | $200 million |
| William Vanderbilt | $200 million* |
*William Vanderbilt’s net worth is an estimate based on his inheritance and the inflation of that value over time.
Cornelius Vanderbilt’s Legacy
Cornelius Vanderbilt was an American industrialist and philanthropist who played a significant role in the development of the transportation industry in the United States during the 19th century. He was born on May 27, 1794, in Staten Island, New York, and died on January 4, 1877, leaving behind a fortune of over $100 million, which is equivalent to approximately $2.2 billion in today’s currency. His legacy, however, goes beyond the wealth he accumulated, and his impact on American society is still felt today.
- Transportation Industry: Cornelius Vanderbilt is famously known as the “Commodore” due to his success in the shipping industry. In the early 1800s, he started his own ferry service and quickly became a dominant force in the transportation of goods and people. He later expanded his operations to include steamboats, railroads, and other forms of transportation. Vanderbilt’s innovative practices and aggressive business tactics were instrumental in establishing the shipping and transportation industries that we know today.
- Philanthropy: Despite his reputation as a ruthless businessman, Cornelius Vanderbilt was also a generous philanthropist. In his later years, he donated millions of dollars to various charitable organizations, including the establishment of Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. He also set up a scholarship program for the children of military veterans and contributed to numerous educational institutions and hospitals.
- Legacy: Cornelius Vanderbilt’s legacy extends beyond his family and his financial empire. His contributions to the transportation industry and philanthropic endeavors paved the way for numerous advancements in American society. Vanderbilt’s innovative practices in transportation allowed for faster and more efficient delivery of goods and services, which had a significant impact on the country’s economy. His philanthropy helped promote higher education and provide healthcare to those in need. Cornelius Vanderbilt’s legacy will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.
The Vanderbilt Family Fortune Today
Today, the Vanderbilt family name is still associated with wealth and luxury. However, the family’s fortune has significantly diminished compared to its peak in the late 1800s. According to Forbes, the Vanderbilt family’s combined net worth is estimated to be around $2.5 billion, with the majority of the fortune coming from various investments and trusts.
Although the Vanderbilt family may no longer be the wealthiest in America, their legacy continues to have an impact on society. Members of the Vanderbilt family have continued to contribute to various philanthropic causes, including education, healthcare, and the arts. The family’s generosity has helped to foster positive change and make a lasting impact in the world.
| Vanderbilt Family Members | Net Worth (estimated) |
|---|---|
| Gloria Vanderbilt (d. 2019) | $200 million |
| Anderson Cooper | $110 million |
| William Vanderbilt (d. 1920) | $185 million (approx. value in today’s currency) |
| Cornelius Vanderbilt II (d. 1899) | $100 million (approx. value in today’s currency) |
The Vanderbilt family has had a lasting impact on American society, and Cornelius Vanderbilt’s legacy continues to inspire innovation and philanthropic endeavors. Despite the decline in the family’s fortunes, the Vanderbilt name remains synonymous with wealth, power, and influence, and their contributions to society will not be forgotten.
The Vanderbilt family business empire
The Vanderbilt’s are an iconic American family who were once the wealthiest family in the country. They amassed their fortune through ventures in shipping, railroads, and finance. Cornelius Vanderbilt, who is considered the patriarch of the Vanderbilt family, founded the family’s business empire in the 19th century.
The Vanderbilt’s were known for their shrewd business acumen and their ability to make smart investments. Their business ventures were often considered risky, but they paid off handsomely and helped the family to gain immense wealth.
- Cornelius Vanderbilt’s Successes
- William Henry Vanderbilt Takes Over
- Vanderbilt Offspring Carries On the Legacy
Cornelius Vanderbilt’s success began when he borrowed $100 from his mother to buy a small ferryboat. He gradually expanded his shipping business, eventually owning a fleet of steamships that operated between New York and ports along the East Coast and in the Caribbean. In the 1860s, he expanded his business into railroads and invested heavily in companies like the New York & Harlem Railroad and the Hudson River Railroad.
After Cornelius Vanderbilt died in 1877, his son William Henry Vanderbilt took over the family business. He continued to expand the family’s railroad holdings, gaining control of several major railroad lines, including the New York Central. William Henry Vanderbilt’s business savvy made him one of the richest men in the world at the time of his death in 1885.
The Vanderbilt family continued to be successful in the following generations. William Vanderbilt’s offspring expanded the business empire into new areas, such as real estate and finance. Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt, for example, founded the Vanderbilt Clinic at Columbia University and made significant investments in banking, aviation, and mining.
Today, the Vanderbilt family is no longer the richest family in the United States, but they are still wealthy and successful. With a total combined net worth of roughly $17 billion, the family still owns a considerable stake in several businesses and properties.
| Name | Net Worth |
|---|---|
| Gloria Vanderbilt | $200 million |
| Anderson Cooper | $200 million |
| William Vanderbilt | $200 million |
| Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin | $100 million |
| Cooper Manning | $15 million |
Overall, the Vanderbilt family’s business empire was built on a foundation of smart investments, risk-taking, and a commitment to excellence. They continue to be a prominent and wealthy family in the United States today.
Vanderbilt family philanthropy
The Vanderbilt family is one of the wealthiest families internationally, and they have a history of charitable giving that dates back decades. The family’s philanthropic efforts began with Cornelius Vanderbilt, the patriarch of the Vanderbilt family, who gave about $1 million to Vanderbilt University in 1873. In today’s money, that donation would be worth around $25 million.
The Vanderbilt name has since become synonymous with philanthropy and has become known for its charitable foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, which works towards improving public health, promoting education, and fostering economic development. However, the Vanderbilt family has not only given to specific organizations but has also created their foundations.
- The Brain and Behavior Research Foundation
- The Carter Burden Network
- The New York Academy of Medicine
- The Sullivan Foundation
These are some of the few charitable foundations established by the Vanderbilt family, supporting various causes from medical research to public service advocacy. The Brain and Behavior Research Foundation, known as NARSAD, funds innovative research for the understanding and treatment of mental illness and has made significant progress in research through discovering newer medications and drugs, expanding treatment options and developing better understanding of behaviors and treatments.
The Carter Burden Network provides assistance to seniors living in New York City, while the Sullivan Foundation works towards supporting female college students. The New York Academy of Medicine involves supporting health equity, public health, and medical research, with an emphasis on partnerships and data-sharing across sectors in health.
| Foundation Name | Mission |
|---|---|
| Brain and Behavior Research Foundation (NARSAD) | Fund innovative research for the understanding and treatment of mental illness. |
| The Carter Burden Network | Provide assistance to seniors living in New York City. |
| The Sullivan Foundation | Support female college students. |
| The New York Academy of Medicine | Support health equity, public health, and medical research, with an emphasis on partnerships and data-sharing across sectors in health. |
The Vanderbilt family’s act of kindness and commitment to public service has made a considerable impact on the world we live in today. Their philanthropic efforts have provided financial support for education, medical research, and the betterment of society, which will continue to have an enduring legacy for years to come.
Vanderbilt family’s art collection
The Vanderbilt family’s art collection is one of the world’s most renowned and valuable. The collection includes pieces from various artistic movements, mediums, and periods, ranging from 17th-century Dutch paintings to contemporary art. Today, the collection is worth an estimated $1.5 billion, making it one of the most valuable private art collections in the world.
- The collection was started by Cornelius Vanderbilt, who acquired numerous European paintings during his travels across the continent in the 19th century.
- George Vanderbilt, son of William Henry Vanderbilt, continued this tradition of collecting art. He built the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina, which houses one of the largest privately-owned collections of art in the US.
- Many notable artists are featured in the Vanderbilt family’s collection, including masters like Rembrandt, Degas, and Vermeer.
The family’s art collection has been the subject of numerous exhibitions, including the 2018 exhibit at the Biltmore Estate, “A Vanderbilt House Party – The Gilded Age”. The exhibit showcased the family’s collection and gave visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Gilded Age.
The table below shows some of the most notable pieces in the Vanderbilt family’s art collection:
| Artist | Artwork | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Rembrandt | The Night Watch | $250 million |
| Vermeer | Girl with a Pearl Earring | $100 million |
| Degas | The Dance Foyer at the Opera | $70 million |
The Vanderbilt family’s art collection is not just valuable for its worth, but also for its significance to the art world. It serves as a reminder of the family’s grandeur and contribution to the development of art and culture in the US and beyond.
Vanderbilt family homes and real estate properties
The Vanderbilt family has a long history of owning luxurious and grand homes. Even today, some of their former homes are considered to be some of the most valuable and desirable properties in the United States. Here are some notable Vanderbilt family homes:
- The Breakers: This is the Vanderbilt family’s most famous and luxurious home. It is a 70-room mansion located in Newport, Rhode Island. The Breakers is now a museum open to the public, and it attracts over 400,000 visitors each year.
- Biltmore Estate: The Biltmore Estate is a 250-room mansion located in Asheville, North Carolina. It was built by George Vanderbilt in the late 1800s and is now a popular tourist destination. The estate also includes a winery, gardens, and a four-star inn.
- Marble House: This is another Vanderbilt family mansion located in Newport, Rhode Island. It was built in the late 1800s and is known for its grand marble exterior. Marble House is also open to the public as a museum.
The Vanderbilt family has also owned many other real estate properties, including commercial buildings, hotels, and apartment complexes. Here is some information about the current status of some of their former properties:
The Grand Central Terminal in New York City was built by Cornelius Vanderbilt in the early 1900s. It is now owned by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and is one of the busiest train stations in the world.
The Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City was once owned by the Vanderbilt family. It has since changed ownership several times and is currently managed by Hilton Hotels and Resorts. The hotel is known for its luxurious accommodations and high-end restaurants.
| Property | Current Owner | Current Use |
|---|---|---|
| Belcourt Castle | Private individual | Open for tours and special events |
| The Plaza Hotel | Sahara Group | Luxury hotel |
| Several apartment complexes in New York City | Various owners | Rental properties |
Overall, the Vanderbilt family has left a lasting legacy in the world of real estate. Their grand homes and other properties continue to attract large numbers of visitors and are coveted by buyers and investors alike.
How much are the Vanderbilts worth today?
1. Who are the Vanderbilts?
The Vanderbilts were one of the wealthiest and most influential families in American history, with Cornelius Vanderbilt founding the family fortune through his shipping and railroad industry businesses in the 19th century.
2. How much were the Vanderbilts worth at their peak?
At their peak, the Vanderbilt family was worth an estimated $200 billion in today’s dollars, making them one of the wealthiest families in history.
3. What happened to the Vanderbilt fortune?
The Vanderbilt fortune was split up and dissipated over time due to family squabbles, lavish spending, and declining businesses. Today, there are still some Vanderbilt descendants with considerable wealth, but they do not control the vast majority of the family’s original fortune.
4. What is the net worth of the current Vanderbilt descendants?
It is estimated that the current Vanderbilt descendants have a combined net worth of around $100 million, with some individuals having more significant financial holdings than others.
5. What businesses or investments do the Vanderbilt descendants have today?
The Vanderbilt descendants have diversified investments, including real estate, art collections, and philanthropic foundations. Some individuals also have business ventures in various industries, while others have chosen to live more low-key lifestyles.
6. Who is the wealthiest Vanderbilt descendant today?
It is difficult to estimate who the wealthiest Vanderbilt descendant is as there is no official public record of their net worth. However, some of the wealthiest known Vanderbilt descendants include Anderson Cooper and Gloria Vanderbilt’s son, Carter Vanderbilt Cooper.
7. What is the legacy of the Vanderbilt family?
The Vanderbilt family’s legacy includes not only their vast wealth but also their influence on American society through their business and philanthropic endeavors. Many buildings and landmarks in New York City, such as Grand Central Terminal, were funded and built by Vanderbilt money.
Closing Thoughts
Thanks for reading about how much the Vanderbilts are worth today. While the family’s wealth has diminished over time, their influence and contributions to American society continue to impress. Be sure to visit our website for more articles about the wealthy and famous families of America.