Cornelius Vanderbilt's Legacy in Shipping and Railroads

Cornelius Vanderbilt, born in 1794, left school at 11 to work with his father in ferrying. He built a fortune in shipping and later transitioned to railroads, becoming one of the wealthiest individuals in history. Known for his aggressive business tactics, he revolutionized rail operations and constructed the Grand Central Depot. Despite his wealth, he lived modestly and contributed to the founding of Vanderbilt University. His legacy is debated as either a Captain of Industry or a Robber Baron.

What was Cornelius Vanderbilt's first major business venture?

• Real estate

• Ferrying cargo and passengers

• Banking

• Railroad construction

During which war did Vanderbilt contract with the U.S. government to supply outposts?

• War of 1812

• Civil War

• Mexican-American War

• American Revolutionary War

Who did Vanderbilt partner with in the steamship business?

• Thomas Gibbons

• Andrew Carnegie

• John D. Rockefeller

• J.P. Morgan

What was the name of the ship Vanderbilt donated to the Union Navy during the Civil War?

• The Liberty

• The Commodore

• The Vanderbilt

• The Enterprise

What industry did Vanderbilt enter after selling his shipping empire?

• Steel

• Textile

• Railroad

• Automobile

What was the name of the terminal Vanderbilt constructed in 1871?

• Central Terminal

• Union Station

• Grand Central Depot

• Penn Station

What was unique about the construction of the Grand Central Depot?

• It had a glass balloon roof

• It was built entirely underground

• It was funded by the government

• It was the tallest building in New York

Which university did Vanderbilt help fund towards the end of his life?

• Yale University

• Harvard University

• Vanderbilt University

• Princeton University

What was Vanderbilt's estimated net worth in modern terms?

• $100 billion

• $250 billion

• $150 billion

• $200 billion

What is the debate surrounding Vanderbilt's legacy?

• Whether he was a philanthropist or not

• Whether he was a Captain of Industry or a Robber Baron

• Whether he was the richest man in history

• Whether he was a political leader