Cornelius Vanderbilt

Born

May 27, 1794

Died

January 4, 1877 (aged 82)

Known as

railway executive, entrepreneur

Cornelius Vanderbilt, nicknamed "the Commodore", was an American business magnate who built his wealth in railroads and shipping. After working with his father's business, he worked his way into leadership positions in inland and coastal shipping, then invested in the rapidly growing railroad industry, which transformed the geography of the United States.

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