Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Working Life

In mid to late 1800's, Cornelius Vanderbilt was the wealthiest man in the United States and the greatest of the nineteenth century railroad barons. He started working at the age of 16, and through a 66-year career, he kept building his businesses from sailing and steamboats, shipping and purchasing railroad companies, and building the Grand Central Terminal to finally donating 1 million dollars to Central University which is now named after him.

What he did to contribute to America:

  • Helped drive the transportation revolution
  • Magnified the California gold rush
  • Pioneered the modern business corporation
  • Contributed to the birth of big business in America              
Of his death in 1877, he was known to be the wealthiest man in history. He was also highly controversial and sparked a public debate over opportunity, equality, and the role of government that continues today.


         

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