The Vanderbilts
The Family that Built a Transportation Empire
The Vanderbilts were one of the oldest and best-known families in America. Jan Aertsen van der Bilt emigrated from Holland around 1650. Although his descendants prospered as farmers on Staten Island, New York, they lived modestly; it was only during the lifetime of Cornelius Vanderbilt (1794-1877), known as the “Commodore,” that the family name became synonymous with extraordinary wealth.
Related Posts
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Feb 20
2010
VanderbiltCupRaces.com Exclusive: 1910 Plans for the Ronkonkoma Motor Speedway
Beginning in November 1906, officials acquired the Motor Parkway right-of way from property owners and farmers from Queens to Riverhead, typically purchasing 1 to 20 acres of land. By far the largest parcel purchased was 891.21 acres in Ronkonkoma from Charles Wright. I always assumed that the Long Island Motor…
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Feb 10
2010
The Vanderbilt Cup Race Pits: An American Innovation
One innovation of the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race was the first use of service racing pits in an American automobile race.
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Dec 21
2009
The 1901 Newport Automobile Races
One of the most exciting American auto races in 1901 was the Newport Automobile Races organized by 23-year old William K. Vanderbilt Jr. and the National Auto Racing Association.
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Oct 27
2009
Willie K’s Guest Lodge in Lake Success
Tim, thanks for the question. Like many Long Islanders, I remember that beautiful building but knew little of it history.Here is what I found out with the help of Dr. Jack Binder, the village historian of Lake Success.
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Sep 30
2009
Film: “Willie K’s Eagle Nest Mansion"and a Request for Feedback
As part of the LI News Tonight series on Long Island Gold Coast mansions, Chris Collora produced this 3-minute tour of Wiliam K. Vanderbilt, Jr's Eagle Nest mansion located in Centerport. Stephanie Gress, Director of Curatorial Affairs at the museum, provides a wonderful comentary on the manison. Watch…
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Jun 26
2009
18-Year Old Willie K.
William K. Vanderbilt Jr. was educated by private tutors and then attended St. Mark's Preparatory School in Southborough, Massachusetts, from 1894 to 1896.
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May 27
2009
The Vanderbilts on their 1907 Palm Beach Vacation
In the winter of 1907, 29-year old William K. Vanderbilt, Jr. and his 32-year old wife Virginia "Birdie" went on vacation at the most luxurious hotel in Florida, The Breakers in Palm Beach.
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May 19
2009
Willie K Helping to Start the 1908 Renault Racer
In addition to donating the trophy for the Vanderbilt Cup Races, William K, Vanderbilt, Jr. was a very active referee for all six races held on Long Island. As shown in this photo of the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race, he was always willing to assist when needed.
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May 19
2009
The 1907 Renault Vanderbilt Racers
The first Grand Prix was held on a 60-mile course near LeMans, France over a two-day period in June 1906. The winner was Ferenc Szisz in a new Renault Type AK powered by a large 13-liter, four-cylinder drive with a shaft drive. William K. Vanderbilt Jr. was so…
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May 09
2009
Anderson Cooper’s Grandfather at the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race
CNN journalist Anderson Cooper's grandfather Reginald Vanderbilt was William K.Vanderbilt Jr's cousin. In this photo, Reggie Vanderbilt (second from the left) can be seen speaking to Willie K. at the start of the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race. The man with the binoculars is Jefferson De Mont Thompson, chairman of…
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