Great Fortunes Of The Gilded Age (Astor/Vanderbilt)

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 Warren Buffet.  Both are from the top of the list!

Today we focus on the earliest American millionaires – John Jacob Astor and Cornelius Vanderbilt. They would rank #4 and #3, respectively on the list of the richest Americans of all time.!

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: Girard

#5: Gates

#6: Carnegie

#7: Stewart

#8 Weyerhaeuser

#9 Gould