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William Henry Vanderbilt (May 8, 1821 – December 8, 1885) was an American businessman and philanthropist. Known as "Billy," he was the eldest son of Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, an heir to his fortune and a prominent member of the Vanderbilt family.
William Henry Vanderbilt (born May 8, 1821, New Brunswick, N.J., U.S.—died Dec. 8, 1885, New York, N.Y.) was an American railroad magnate and philanthropist who nearly doubled the Vanderbilt family fortune established and in large part bequeathed to him by his father, Cornelius.
The Commodore left the majority of his enormous fortune to his eldest son, William Henry Vanderbilt. William Henry, who outlived his father by just eight years, increased the profitability of his father's holdings, increased the reach of the New York Central Railroad, and doubled the Vanderbilt wealth.
Learn how the railroad tycoon uttered the phrase that became a symbol of corporate greed and sparked a public outcry in 1882. Read different versions of the interview and its impact on his reputation and legacy.
American railroad magnate and philanthropist William Henry Vanderbilt was at first deemed unfit for the business world by his father, Cornelius Vanderbilt. However, before his death William had nearly doubled the Vanderbilt family fortune.
William Henry Vanderbilt (May 8, 1821 – December 8, 1885) was an American businessman and philanthropist. Known as "Billy," he was the eldest son of Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, an heir to his fortune and a prominent member of the Vanderbilt family.
Learn about the life and achievements of William Henry Vanderbilt, a railroad developer and financier who expanded the family empire and became president of the New York Central. Find out how he earned his father's respect, his philanthropic causes, and his death date.
