The Storied Vanderbilt Family Tree Spans Generations

From the Commodore to Anderson Cooper, the Vanderbilts have left an indelible mark on American history.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:00pm

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The Vanderbilt family, one of the wealthiest and most influential families in American history, has a sprawling family tree that spans generations. From patriarch Cornelius Vanderbilt, who built his fortune in railroads and shipping, to his descendants like Cornelius Vanderbilt II, who built the iconic Breakers mansion in Newport, Rhode Island, to television personality Anderson Cooper, the Vanderbilts have left an indelible mark on American society.

Why it matters

The Vanderbilt family's rise to prominence during the Gilded Age exemplifies the rapid industrialization and social mobility that defined that era. Their story highlights the intersection of wealth, power, and social status in shaping the country's perception of success and influence. Tracing the family's evolution over the decades also provides insight into the changing dynamics of American high society.

The details

The Vanderbilt family tree is a complex web of marriages, divorces, and descendants that reflect the family's immense wealth and influence. Patriarch Cornelius Vanderbilt, known as the 'Commodore,' built his fortune in railroads and shipping, becoming one of the richest men in America by the time of his death in 1877. His eldest son, William Henry 'Billy' Vanderbilt, continued the family's business ventures, passing the reins to his sons Cornelius Vanderbilt II and William Kissam Vanderbilt. Cornelius II, the favorite grandson of the Commodore, oversaw the construction of the Breakers mansion in Newport, while William Kissam managed the family's railroad investments and was a prominent horse breeder.

  • Cornelius Vanderbilt was born in 1794 and died in 1877.
  • William Henry 'Billy' Vanderbilt was born in 1821 and died in 1885.
  • Cornelius Vanderbilt II was born in 1843 and died in 1899.
  • Consuelo Vanderbilt married the Duke of Marlborough in 1895 and divorced in 1921.
  • Gloria Vanderbilt, daughter of Reginald Vanderbilt, was born in 1924 and died in 2019.

The players

Cornelius Vanderbilt

The patriarch of the Vanderbilt family, known as the 'Commodore,' who built his wealth in railroads and shipping and became one of the richest men in America by the time of his death in 1877.

William Henry 'Billy' Vanderbilt

The eldest son and heir to Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, who joined his father's business at age 19 and eventually took over the family's railway business.

Cornelius Vanderbilt II

The eldest son of Billy Vanderbilt, who succeeded his grandfather and father as the chairman and president of the New York Central and related railroad lines, and built the Breakers mansion in Newport, Rhode Island.

Consuelo Vanderbilt

The daughter of William Kissam Vanderbilt, who married the Duke of Marlborough in a high-profile Gilded Age scandal, before divorcing and remarrying.

Gloria Vanderbilt

The daughter of Reginald Vanderbilt, who became a famous fashion designer and the mother of news anchor Anderson Cooper.

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What they’re saying

“'Their name forever synonymous with the explosion of wealth, industry, and social mobility that epitomize the Gilded Age and arguably came to define the world's perception of the country.'”

— Remy Renzullo, Author

“'I wish I'd known her. I did meet her, but I have very little recollection. I was around six when she died, and she was mainly living in the States and in France. I do remember her coming to the house.'”

— Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill, Great-granddaughter of Consuelo Vanderbilt

What’s next

The Biltmore Estate, built by George Vanderbilt, continues to be a major tourist attraction in Asheville, North Carolina, drawing visitors from around the world to experience the grandeur of the Gilded Age. The current president and CEO of Biltmore Farms, John 'Jack' F.A.V. Cecil, is a direct descendant of the Vanderbilt family.

The takeaway

The Vanderbilt family's enduring legacy serves as a testament to the transformative power of wealth and ambition during the Gilded Age. Their story highlights the complex interplay of family, business, and social status that shaped the course of American history, and continues to captivate the public imagination to this day.