The Vanderbilt family is one of the most famous and influential American dynasties, known for their immense wealth, philanthropy, and impact on industries like railroads and shipping. The family’s fortune was built by Cornelius Vanderbilt in the 19th century, making them one of the wealthiest families in U.S. history.

This article explores the complete family tree of the Vanderbilt family, detailing its generations, key figures, and lasting legacy.

The Origins of the Vanderbilt Fortune

The Vanderbilt family's wealth traces back to Cornelius Vanderbilt, a self-made businessman who transformed the transportation industry in America’s Gilded Age. His empire laid the foundation for future generations of Vanderbilts, though much of the fortune dissipated over time due to extravagant spending and poor financial management.

Generation 1: Cornelius Vanderbilt – The Founder of the Dynasty

  • Full Name: Cornelius Vanderbilt
  • Date of Birth: May 27, 1794
  • Date of Death: January 4, 1877
  • Profession: Shipping and railroad tycoon
  • Spouse: Sophia Johnson
  • Children:
    • William Henry Vanderbilt
    • Cornelius Jeremiah Vanderbilt
    • 11 other children

Cornelius Vanderbilt started his career in steamboats before shifting to railroads, establishing New York Central Railroad, and amassing a fortune worth approximately $100 million at the time of his death.

Generation 2: William Henry Vanderbilt – The Empire Builder

  • Full Name: William Henry Vanderbilt
  • Date of Birth: May 8, 1821
  • Date of Death: December 8, 1885
  • Profession: Railroad executive and businessman
  • Spouse: Maria Louisa Kissam
  • Children:
    • Cornelius Vanderbilt II
    • William Kissam Vanderbilt
    • Frederick Vanderbilt
    • George Washington Vanderbilt II
    • Five other children

William Henry doubled the family’s fortune after inheriting his father’s wealth, making him the richest man in America at the time.

Generation 3: The Gilded Age Vanderbilts

Cornelius Vanderbilt II

  • Date of Birth: November 27, 1843
  • Date of Death: September 12, 1899
  • Spouse: Alice Claypoole Gwynne
  • Children:
    • Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt
    • Reginald Claypoole Vanderbilt

Cornelius II expanded the family's real estate holdings and was instrumental in the construction of The Breakers, the family's famous Newport mansion.

William Kissam Vanderbilt

  • Date of Birth: December 12, 1849
  • Date of Death: July 22, 1920
  • Spouse: Alva Erskine Smith
  • Children:
    • Consuelo Vanderbilt (married into British nobility)
    • William Kissam Vanderbilt II

William Kissam Vanderbilt focused on yacht racing and philanthropy, funding institutions like the Metropolitan Opera.

George Washington Vanderbilt II

  • Date of Birth: November 14, 1862
  • Date of Death: March 6, 1914
  • Spouse: Edith Stuyvesant Dresser
  • Children:
    • Cornelia Stuyvesant Vanderbilt

George Washington Vanderbilt II is famous for building Biltmore Estate, the largest private home in America.

Generation 4: The Decline of the Vanderbilt Fortune

Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt

  • Date of Birth: October 20, 1877
  • Date of Death: May 7, 1915 (died on the Lusitania)
  • Profession: Sportsman and businessman

Alfred died tragically in the sinking of the Lusitania during World War I.

Reginald Claypoole Vanderbilt

  • Date of Birth: January 14, 1880
  • Date of Death: September 4, 1925
  • Spouse: Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt
  • Children:
    • Gloria Vanderbilt (fashion icon and mother of Anderson Cooper)

Reginald was known for gambling and horse breeding, leading to financial losses.

Generation 5: Gloria Vanderbilt and the Modern Vanderbilts

Gloria Vanderbilt

  • Date of Birth: February 20, 1924
  • Date of Death: June 17, 2019
  • Profession: Fashion designer, socialite, artist
  • Spouse: Wyatt Emory Cooper
  • Children:
    • Anderson Cooper (CNN journalist)

Gloria Vanderbilt revived the family name in the 20th century through fashion, especially with her designer jeans brand.

Generation 6: Anderson Cooper – The Present-Day Vanderbilt

  • Full Name: Anderson Hays Cooper
  • Date of Birth: June 3, 1967
  • Profession: CNN journalist and television personality

Anderson Cooper, the descendant of Cornelius Vanderbilt, has built his own career as a respected journalist, rather than inheriting the Vanderbilt fortune.

Why Create Your Own Family Tree?

The Vanderbilt family tree highlights the importance of understanding family history. Whether your family has historical significance or a personal legacy, documenting your roots helps preserve family heritage for future generations.

With the Family Root App, you can:
✅ Build your own family tree
✅ Connect with relatives
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✅ Share family memories

Start tracing your family history today!

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