Cornelius Vanderbilt is an American businessman who established his empire by building railroads and shipping lines.
He began his business with one boat that served as a passenger ferry before eventually expanding his steamship company.
In the 1860’s Vanderbilt also started to purchase railroads starting in New York and expanding to the western states in the US. He was the one who urged the construction of the Manhattan Grand Central Depot in 1871, which was replaced by the popular Grand Central Terminal in 1913.
During his time, Vanderbilt was known to accumulate an estimate of $185B. He died at age 82 in his home in Manhattan, leaving most of his wealth ($100B) to his son, William.
9. Alan Rufus (Wealth: 194B)
Alan Rufus, also known as Alan the Red, served his uncle William the Conqueror during the Norman conquest of England. During his service, Rufus was able to acquire a vast amount of land titles in England.
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