Great Fortunes Of The Gilded Age (J. P. Morgan)

During the Gilded Age, America saw a handful of families dominate the economy with staggering fortunes.

If I asked you to name the richest American, you’d probably say Bill Gates or Sam Walton.  Both are from the top of the list!

Today we focus on the bankers who created venture capitalism, hostile takeovers and trickle down economics.  And who gave extravagantly to charity, benefitting education, the arts, and learning even today.

J. P. Morgan was, by some accounting, the second richest American ever – and a man whose acquisition of wealth was almost unimaginable. He was so rich that twice he had to use his personal fortune to help save the nation from disaster during several economic crises. His private art collection was one of the greatest in the world and his name still adorns one of the most powerful banks in America. The story of this powerful man is a fascinating narrative of wealth and power in a changing America.

This four week series examines the great fortunes of that fascinating era.  We will attempt to put each into perspective and offer intriguing insights, modern comparisons and historical context for each. Of the nine wealthiest Americans, six lived during the Gilded Age!

# 2: Vanderbilt

#3: Astor

#4: Morgan

#5: Gates

#6: Carnegie

#7: Stewart

#8 Weyerhaeuser

#9 Gould