Cornelius Vanderbilt, nicknamed “the Commodore,” was an American business magnate who built his wealth in railroads and shipping. Starting with a ferry service between Staten Island and Manhattan, Vanderbilt expanded into steamships and later railroads, creating a transportation empire. By the time of his death, he had amassed a fortune of over $100 million. Vanderbilt was also a philanthropist, donating $1 million to establish Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.
