Vanderbilt Mansion

https://www.nps.gov/vama/index.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanderbilt_Mansion_National_Historic_Site Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site is a historic house museum in Hyde Park, New York. The property, historically known as Hyde Park, was one of several homes owned by Frederick William Vanderbilt and his wife Louise Holmes Anthony. The 54-room Vanderbilt mansion was designed by the preeminent architectural firm McKim, Mead & White. Construction occurred between 1896 and 1899. The house is an example of the Beaux-Arts architecture style. The interiors are archetypes of the American Renaissance, blending European architectural salvage, antiques, and fine period reproductions representing an array of historical styles. Built by of one of the first families of wealth in America. Designed by one of the nation's preeminent architects. The Vanderbilt Mansion is a home built expressly for the aristocratic lifestyle. Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site is located in the town of Hyde Park, NY, approximately 5 miles north of Poughkeepsie along Route 9G, midway between New York City and Albany, about a 1.5 hour drive from either direction. Located on the east bank of the Hudson River, the park is easily reached by either the Taconic State Parkway or Route 9, and the New York State Thruway west of the Hudson River. Pavilion Visitor Center The Pavilion Visitor Center is open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The park is located in the town of Hyde Park, New York, a semi-rural area approximately 6 miles north of Poughkeepsie on Route 9. Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site Misty April Morning A misty Spring morning at the Vanderbilt Mansion Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site Fall Colors in the Hudson Valley Thousands of visitors flock to the Hudson Valley in the Fall to see the leaves change colors. The F. W. Vanderbilt Formal Gardens The Formal Gardens The formal gardens of the Vanderbilt Estate consist of multiple tiers defined over a hillside, surrounded by a graceful landscape. Overlook View of the Hudson River looking North from the Overlook The inspiring historic view of the Hudson River from the Overlook at Vanderbilt Mansion. Summer Concert Series West Point Band performs at the Vanderbilt Mansion West Point Band performs at Vanderbilt Mansion, part of the Summer Concert Series. Hyde Park Interior Design Sources: Codman’s Eye In the construction of Gilded Age country houses, such prominent architects of the period as Richard Morris Hunt and the firm of McKim, Mead & White, generally collaborated with a relatively small group of interior decorators. At Hyde Park, at least four fully fledged decorating firms were independently and simultaneously at work on the design of Vanderbilt’s interiors under the general supervision of McKim and the clients. Detail of a room decorated in the French style with paneling and curved railing and column Hyde Park Farms The Hyde Park farm group built for Frederick Vanderbilt in 1901 was a specialized type of farming complex. Farm groups were typical of the country estates built by wealthy Americans during the Gilded Age. As the era reached its highest expression in country place design, farm groups often incorporated aesthetic features not typically found among working farms associated with rural residences. A farm worker with three cows in front of a barn. A History of the Hyde Park Estate The Vanderbilt estate traces its origins to John Bard, who purchased the 3,600-acre Fauconnier Grant in 1764 and established “Hyde Park,” which became one of the most renowned of the Hudson Valley estates. The Hyde Park mansion, built for the Vanderbilts, came to represent the palatial country homes erected by a group of extraordinarily wealthy families. A watercolor print of a couple overlooking a large river landscape. Household Management at Hyde Park Managing a house for luxurious living required a large staff of servants. As was customary in homes of the wealthy, three department managers—the housekeeper, butler, and chef—supervised the Vanderbilt household staff. A gilded book cover illustrating peacocks, entitled "Millionaire Households" NETN Species Spotlight - Your Flowers, Shrubs, and Plants Native species - birds, insects, plants, etc - need our help. When planning your yard layout, consider adding some valuable native plants to the mix. Red maple flowers NETN Species Spotlight - Wild Turkey Wild Turkeys are one of the most iconic species in America. They have a long, and as it turns out, mythic history. Wild Tom Turkey. Wayne Dumbleton. NETN Species Spotlight - Hermit Thrush The Hermit Thrush's ethereal song is a mainstay of summers in the Northeastern U.S. But climate change could mean its song will only be heard north of the border if warming continues unabated. A Hermit Thrush perches on the forest floor. National Park Forests - More Than a Pretty Picture A study led by NETN shows that eastern National Park forests hold greater complexity and ecosystem function that the surrounding forest. A forest tech measures the size of a tree. Species Spotlight - Red Crossbill The Red Crossbillis one of the most unique and specialized birds of North America. Learn about their traits and habits, and how you may encounter a flock of them during this irruption year. . A Red Crossbill sits on a conifer tree. Citizen Science in the Digital Age With well over 100 citizen-science based apps now available for smartphones, there is no lack of opportunity for people of all ages and affectations to significantly add to the collective knowledge base about many aspects of the natural world. The phrase “there is an app for that” has perhaps never been more true for natural resource monitoring. Students use microscopes to identify pond species at the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller NHP Bioblitz. Maud Malone: Places Associated with Her Story For those interested in visiting some of the sites where Maud Malone helped to reinvigorate the suffrage movement, there are a number of National Park Sites and New York City locations where one can stand where Maud once stood. Suffragists at Grant's Tomb, LOC NETN Species Spotlight - Ruby-throated Hummingbird The ruby-throated hummingbird is the only bird of that species that makes its home east of the Mississippi. Learn more about this remarkable bird. A hummingbird feeds on a flower NETN Species Spotlight: Monarch Butterfly The monarch butterfly is a majestic insect. Mimicry, migration, and metamorphosis all help to make it the true king of butterflies. But it's numbers have been dropping dramatically in recent years. Learn more about this amazing species and how you can help to save it. Monarch butterfly on a Meadow Blazing Star plant NETN Species Spotlight: Japanese Knotweed Japanese knotweed is a very robust invasive plant species. Learn why it spreads so readily outside of its native Japan, and how the NPS and other groups are trying to control it. Japanese knotweed plant NETN Species Spotlight: Acorn Barnacle Barnacles may at first glance appear to have the most boring of lives. But dig a little deeper into these crafty crustaceans, and you'll learn they are among the most fascinating of seashore creatures. Barnacle feeding close-up NETN Species Spotlight - Northern Short-tailed Shrew The northern short-tailed shrew seems like an impossible mash-up of different creatures. From venomous saliva to echolocation, this tiny predator employs many tactics to satiate an endless appetite. Short-tailed Shrew The Positive Side of Zero For something that essentially represents "nothingness", the number zero carries a lot of weight when collecting data. a stone zero What’s the Buzz? How Bees Interrelate with Birds, Wildflowers, and Deer Ecosystems are complex and intricate and sometimes have a surprising web of relationships. Learn how deer, bees, birds, and wildflowers connect in the park ecosystems of the northeast. A bee pollinates a wildflower Wild, Wacky, and Weird Weather. What the? A look at the difference between weather and climate. A Vermont blizzard. NETN Species Spotlight - Fisher The fisher is a very capable predator of northeastern forests. Learn about the ways this large member of the weasel family makes its living. A large male fisher sitting Species Spotlight - Giant Hogweed Giant hogweed is a particularly nasty intruder across much of the country. Find out how the NPS looks for it in parks, and what to do if you spot one in your yard. A person is dwarfed by a giant hogweed plant. NPS Geodiversity Atlas—Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, New York Each park-specific page in the NPS Geodiversity Atlas provides basic information on the significant geologic features and processes occurring in the park. mansion and fall trees NETN Species Spotlight - Eastern Coyote The eastern coyote is a new predator on the scene. But where did it come from and why is it so much larger than its western cousins? Learn about how this animal came to be and the important ecological niches it is filling in the Northeast. A coyote stares at the camera. Lessons Learned from a Decade of Forest Health Monitoring in NETN After more than 10 years of monitoring forest health in NETN parks, plant ecologist Kate Miller shares here knowledge and insights and current forest conditions and tips on long term forest management. A forest glade NETN Field Note: Deer, Worms, and Invasives When too many deer, earthworms, and invasive plant species work i concert, detrimental effects happen to the health of northeastern forests. Forest health monitoring NETN Species Spotlight - Turkey and Black Vultures Vultures have the thankless job of cleaning the environment up of dead animal carcasses. Learn how they are able to do it without getting sick from deadly bacteria. Close-up of a Black Vulture. Doug Greenberg. NETN Species Spotlight - Sharp-shinned Hawk About the size of a Blue-Jay, Sharp-shinned Hawks are aerial acrobats and are the smallest of three North American agile hawks known as the accipiters (ah-sip-it-ers). Learn more about this amazing and oft misunderstood hawk. Sharp-shinned Hawk perched on a branch NETN Species Spotlight - Snowshoe Hare Snowshoe hare are perfectly adapted to their cold, snow environments. Even so, a warming climate and a complex predator/prey relationship has a large influence on their overall population. The enormous hind feet of snowshoe hare. NETN Species Spotlight - Ruffed Grouse Ruffed Grouse have evolved many effective and surprising traits that allow them to survive northeastern winters. Ruffed Grouse displaying Lucas Bobay NETN Species Spotlight - Short-tailed Weasel The short-tailed weasel is as energetic as it is resourceful. It has had a reputation of being both virtuous and vile over the centuries. Find out more about the amazing capabilities of this slender member of the weasel family An ermine in full white. NETN Species Spotlight - Paper Birch The Paper Birch is undeniably a tree of the north woods. Entwined in lore and legend, it has been a key part of ecosystems and cultures since well before the time of the Neanderthals even. Paper birch trees in winter. NETN Species Spotlight - Serviceberry Though it goes by many names, the serviceberry tree is much loved by people and birds alike. Learn more about one of spring's first bloomers and why you should plant one in your yard. Serviceberries ripening. NETN Species Spotlight - American Woodcock The American Woodcock is a quirky bird. Learn about their habits. and why they are a welcome sight (and sound) each spring in the Northeast, An American Woodcock walks on the forest floor. Species Spotlight - Puffballs Puffballl mushrooms offer many joys - from stomping on them as children to eating them fried with butter. Learn more about this natural history of this fascinating fungi. Puffball emitting spores. The Vanderbilt 1918 Crane-Simplex Model 5 Associated with the great names of the early automotive era, Simplex was a paragon of the luxury automobile market. In 1915, Simplex purchased the Crane Motor Company to acquire its advanced six-cylinder engine and its innovative creator, Henry Crane. This engineering triumph powers the Crane-Simplex, Model 5 purchased by Frederick Vanderbilt in 1918. Preserved in its historic condition, it represents a truly rare and legendary motorcar. An automobile with split top and side mounted spare tires. Frederick Vanderbilt's 1933 Cadillac 452C It was the Great Depression, but luxury cars were still king, for those who had the means. Frederick Vanderbilt's 1933 V-16 Cadillac is a sleek, modern statement of machine age design, carefully detailed and refined. Cadillac built only 300 V-16s during 1932, a huge drop from the nearly 3,000 built in the enthusiasm of 1930. Production never recovered, making the 1933 model a rare automobile. An automobile with gilded hood ornament. Series: Maud Malone - New York City Librarian and Suffrage Powerhouse Series by Dan Meharg. The fight to win voting rights for American women began in 1848, but by 1905 the effort was about dead. The movement’s founders were passing away and only four western states allowed women to vote. Maud Malone, a New York City librarian, was determined to revive the dying movement. Single working women like herself paid taxes but had no say in how that money was spent. America prided itself on being a free country but... Maud Malone speaking in New York City. Library of Congress More to Explore at Your National Parks When someone asks how many National Parks are there, they are thinking about the "big" parks such as the Grand Canyon or Yosemite. If you ask a National Park Service Park Ranger the answer probably be for the whole system. This article explores some of the historic and cultural sites in the National Park Service including James A. Garfield National Historic Site! brick path leading to a large white house and a tree is in front of the house with branches Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Sites B.A.R.K. Rangers Become a B.A.R.K. Ranger at Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Sites. Graphic image of a dog with the words B.A.R.K. Ranger. Substitute Rangers As the 1940s dawned, the United States was still dealing with the economic woes of the Great Depression and trying not to get drawn in WWII. Even as it continued to manage New Deal Program work in national and state parks, the NPS remained understaffed as a government bureau. The emergency relief workers and about 15 percent of NPS staff enlisted or were drafted during the first couple of years of WWII. Winifred Tada, 1940. (Courtesy of the Honolulu Star-Bulletin) Rehabilitation of the Vanderbilt Pavilion After 125 years of varied purposes and changes in ownership, the Pavilion has endured many cycles of maintenance and repair campaigns. The current project will restore the roof balustrade, replace missing shutters, stabilize and repair the porch columns, and address the damaged and missing areas of pebble dash stucco siding. Vanderbilt Vignettes: Watercolors by the Cross River Fine Artists, 2021 Cross River Fine Art is an artist’s guild, representing watercolorists of varied backgrounds and experience who have joined together to display their diverse painting styles. The artists live and work in the Hudson River Valley and many of their paintings, from botanicals to landscapes, reflect the beauty and sensibility of the region. A watercolor painting of an ancient tree with branches swooping to the ground. Species Spotlight - Cecropia Moth Cecropia moths are the largest moth in North America. Their fascinating one-year life cycle is one of the most amazing transformations known to nature. Face of a male cecropia moth. Invasion of the Biome Bashers Invasive plants are a concerning and growing issue for eastern national parks. Learn what is spreading, and how some parks are seeing success in managing them. Glossy buckthron Species Spotlight - Eastern Phoebe The return of Eastern Phoebes early each spring is a soul-satisfying, calendar-turning event after a long northeastern winter. Eastern Phoebe I&M Networks Support Resilient Forest Management NPS Inventory and Monitoring Networks have been tracking forest health in eastern national parks since 2006. This monitoring information can guide resilient forest management and support parks in adapting to changing conditions through the actions described below. Forest health monitoring Resilient Forests Initiative - Managing Invasive Plants & Pests Park forests are threatened by invasive plants and pests. Strategically tackling invasive plants to protect park’s highest priority natural resources and planning around forest pests and pathogens are important actions in managing resilient forests. Forest Regeneration Managing Resilient Forests. A Regional Initiative Forests cover tens of thousands of acres in eastern national parks and these critical resources face a range of interacting stressors: over-abundant white-tailed deer populations, invasive plant dominance, novel pests and pathogens, among other threats. The Resilient Forests Initiative will help parks address these issue collectively. Forest health monitoring Species Spotlight - Deer Tick Deer ticks are an increasing problem in the northeast. Learn more about why they are increasing, the way they spread Lyme disease, and how to prevent getting a tick bite. And there are also lizards. Warm lizard. Ranger Roll Call, 1940-1949 Only a small number of women held temporary ranger positions in national parks during World War II. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, national monuments in the Southwest, and historical sites in the East continued to employ more women. Although a few women veterans benefitted from post-war veteran hiring programs, most veterans were men and permanent positions became even more difficult for women to get. Catherine Byrnes and Barbara Dickinson stand outside modeling the NPS uniform. Species Spotlight - Dragonflies Dragonflies have incredible powers of flight and vision. Learn how they use these to catch just about anything they want on the wing. Dragonfly nymph. Species Spotlight - White Ash White ash trees are an integral part of the forests of the Northeast, and they are under grave threat of ceasing to exist as a mature canopy species in the near future. The culprit is a tiny invasive insect called the Emerald Ash Borer. Learn more about the current state of ash trees in the region, and learn how to help slow the spread of this destructive forest pest. White ash seedling Species Spotlight - Oaks Oaks appear so often in the story of humanity that it could scarcely have been written without them. Learn more about this amazing trees species and how it has shaped cultures across the world. A white oak branch with acorns Series: Managing Resilient Forests Initiative for Eastern National Parks Forests in the northeastern U.S. are in peril. Over-abundant deer, invasive plants, and insect pests are negatively impacting park forests, threatening to degrade the scenic vistas and forested landscapes that parks are renowned for. With regional collaboration, parks can manage these impacts and help forests be resilient. This article series explores tools available to park managers to achieve their goals. Healthy forests have many native seedlings and saplings. Conservation of Mr. Vanderbilt's Tapestries In December 2022, the National Park Service will begin an 18-month project to conserve the verdure tapestries in Mr. Vanderbilt's Bedroom. The tapestries, dating to the 17th century, have not been treated since they were originally installed in the mansion in 1898. A wall with wood paneling and large tapestries. Species Spotlight - Flying Squirrels Tiny and cute, flying squirrels are efficient gliders with a few surprises tucked away under their furry sleeves. A Southern Flying Squirrel. 50 Nifty Finds #11: Carving a Place in NPS History Few employees have left as visible a mark on National Park Service (NPS) exhibits as John A. Segeren. His work has been enjoyed by generations of park visitors who never knew his name but appreciated his intricate wood carvings and playful animal figures displayed in parks throughout the system. A master woodcarver described by former President Lyndon B. Johnson as "a legacy to this country," Segeren carved out his own place in NPS history. Round wooden plaque with bison, globe, and waterfall Trails&Rails 2023 National Conference Current NPS Director Chuck Sams addresses attendees at the 2023 National Trails&Rails Operations Conference. A large group of people sit facing forward at tables arranged in a U shap Species Spotlight - Red Fox Legendary for their cunning cleverness, red fox are equally at home in the trackless wilderness as they are in a tract-housing development. It has established itself world-wide, and it's very particular set of skills makes it a nightmare for hapless meadow voles. A Red Fox. My Park Story: Janell Bissonnette #MyParkStory: Law Enforcement Ranger, Janell Bissonnette A ranger with 2 children and a ranger vehicle My Park Story: Sarah Love #MyParkStory: Meet Sarah Love, Realty Specialist for the Northeast Region. Ice Yachting on the Hudson River My Park Story: Craig Oleszewski #MyParkStory - Meet Craig Oleszewski, Project Manager at Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Site, in Hyde Park, New York. a man in a hard hat, setting 1500 lbs of carved stone 60 feet off the ground. My Park Story: Chad Rymph #MyParkStory: Meet Chad Rymph, Carpenter at Roosevelt-Vanderbilt-VanBuren National Historic Site. A man in a carpenter shop with an NPS shirt on. My Park Story: Mike Twardy My Park Story: Mike Twardy, Park Guide at Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Site. Mike with President of Ghana John Mahama at Val-Kill, 2013 Species Spotlight - Black Bear Bears have endured a paradoxical reputation for centuries. At once being associated with cuddly teddy bears and the helpful Smokey Bear, as well as a ferocious, blood-thirsty beast. As we learn more about their mind-boggling biology however, they may start to occupy a new niche in the popular mind - that of a natural marvel. A sitting black bear Species Spotlight - Woodland Box Turtle Box turtles have evolved the familiar turtle shell to near perfection, holding the ability to close of its head and legs within its hinged under shell. A turtle supports the Earh on its back My Park Story: Amy Bracewell Meet Amy Bracewell, Superintendent of Roosevelt-Vanderbilt-Van Buren National Historic Sites. Amy at Mount Rushmore My Park Story: Henry Curletti Meet Law Enforcement Park Ranger, Henry Curletti. A Law Enforcement Park Ranger with a cannon behind him. My Park Story: Dave Hayes Meet Dave Hayes, Resource Management Team Leader for Roosevelt-Vanderbilt-Van Buren NHS A park ranger kneeling showing kids what is on the ground. Species Spotlight - Moose Moose have long been revered animal by native peoples. In recent decades it has been suffering from a combination of warming winters, parasitic brainworms, and winter ticks. Biologists across its range are working on ways to hwlp. A moose in thick forest. 50 Nifty Finds #45: Holding the Line The National Park Service (NPS) was only 26 years old when the United States entered World War II. The young bureau faced very real threats to its mission, with increasing pressure to contribute its natural and cultural resources to the war effort even as its budget and staff were slashed. Under the leadership of Director Newton B. Drury, the NPS was able to do its part for the war while maintaining its public trust responsibilities to the American people. Worth Fighting For fire prevention poster Updated Species Database Will Help Boost Amphibian Conservation Across the National Park System To steward amphibians effectively, managers need basic information about which species live in parks. But species lists need constant maintenance to remain accurate. Due to recent efforts, the National Park Service now has an up-to-date amphibian species checklist for almost 300 parks. This information can serve as the basis for innumerable conservation efforts across the nation. A toad sits on red sand, looking into the camera. Project Profile: Landscape Stewardship Corps Pre-Apprenticeship Program In collaboration with the Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation, the Historic Preservation Training Center is launching the Traditional Trades Advancement Program-Landscape Stewardship Corps, a nationwide internship program aimed at inspiring youth. The program focuses on providing hands-on experiences and training in cultural landscape preservation, preparing the next generation to become stewards of the National Park Service. Two people working with seeds Species Spotlight - Water Striders Water striders effortlessly float and skate over the surface of water bodies around the world. Learn how they do it, and how they can be a good sign of water quality. A floating water strider From TTAP to NPS: Sophie Millar Sophie Millar recently worked as a Traditional Trades Advancement Program (TTAP) and TTAP Landscape Stewardship Corps (LSC) intern at the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site and the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site. This experience led her to a NPS position as a gardener at the White House and President's Park. We caught up with her to hear about her experience, her background, and her work now as an NPS employee. Species Spotlight - Tree and Plant Communication From underground mycorrhizal networks to ultrasonic sound emissions and chemical signaling through the air. The plants and trees of the forest have a language and ability to communicate that science is only beginning to understand. A tree with roots that go deep into the soil

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site New York Dasson annular clock A Country Place in the Gilded Age The Gilded Age, the period following the Civil War to the turn of the century, was a time of unparalleled growth in industry, technology, and immigration. Captains of industry, men like Cornelius Vanderbilt, Andrew Carnegie, J.P. Morgan, John D. Rockefeller, and others amassed unimaginable wealth, while the average annual income in the US was around $380, well below the poverty line. The term ‘Gilded Age’ was coined by Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner in their 1873 book, The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today. The term refers to the process of gilding an object with a superficial layer of gold to improve its appearance. Established millionaires viewed nouveau riche families like the Vanderbilts, who flaunted their wealth by building ostentatious homes, throwing extravagant balls, and using their money to buy social prominence, as gilded—all show, no substance. Cornelius "Commodore" Vanderbilt (1794–1877) rose from poverty to become a shipping and railroad tycoon. He turned a 100-dollar loan from his parents into a multi-million dollar fortune and left the bulk of his money to his eldest son William. William expanded the railroad operations, doubling the Vanderbilt fortune in just eight years, but his eight children lived lives of excess, extravagance, and self-indulgence. They built 40 opulent mansions and country estates, and entertained lavishly, largely depleting the family money. In 1895 William’s son Frederick, pictured below right, (1856–1938) and his wife, Louise, (1854–1926) pictured far right, bought Hyde Park to use as their spring and fall country estate. McKim, Mead & White, America’s top architecture firm, designed the mansion in the neoclassical style with Beaux-Arts ornamentation and incorporated the latest innovations: electricity, central heating, and indoor plumbing. They added the Pavilion, a coach house, power station, gate houses, two new bridges over Crum Elbow Creek, boat docks, a railroad station, and extensive landscaping. Many of the mansion’s contents were bought in Europe from wealthy families who had fallen on hard times. Furnishings and construction costs totaled around $2,250,000. Hyde Park was in many ways selfsustaining, providing food and flowers for the family’s needs here and at their other homes. When the Vanderbilts were in residence, as many as 60 staff worked here. Staff lived on or near the property and attended to the grounds and extensive farm. Personal staff traveled with the Vanderbilts and lived in the mansion with the family. Seasonal laborers were hired from the community and lived in the servants’ quarters. Frederick, a quiet man, preferred to avoid social occasions, but Louise loved to entertain, throwing lavish weekend parties with horseback riding, golf, tennis, and swimming followed by formal dinners and dancing. When Louise died in 1926, Frederick sold his other houses and returned to this estate for the last 12 years of his life. He was active in business, directing 22 railroads until his death in 1938. His estate totaled $76 million, over $1.2 billion today. and Great Depression (1930s) made their upkeep all but impossible. The couple had no children and left the Hyde Park mansion to Louise’s niece, Margaret Louise Van Alen, who tried to sell the estate but found no buyers. Her neighbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, suggested she donate the estate to the National Park Service as a monument to the Gilded Age. She agreed and the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site opened to the public in 1940. The farmlands were not part of the donation and remain in private hands. The lavish mansion and its contents remain virtually unchanged from the time the Vanderbilts lived here. Gilded Age estates like this flourished in the 1890s—until the income tax (1913), World War I (1914), SHELBURNE FARMS ARCHIVES The Vanderbilts in America: A Rise to Wealth 1650 Jan Aertsen Van Der Bilt is the first Vanderbilt ancestor known to reside in America. 1794 Cornelius “Commodore” Vanderbilt born on Staten Island, New York City, to Cornelius and Phebe Hand Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt Mansion 1810 Cornelius borrows $100 from parents and buys first two-masted sailing barge to start a ferry service from Staten Island to Manhattan. 1817 Cornelius captains a steamship for Thomas Gibbons and assists in legal battle against steamship monopolies, opening the way for his own shipping business. 1821 William Henry Vanderbilt, one of 13 children and first son, born to Cornelius and first wife Sophia. 1830s–40s Cornelius expands shipping empire, begins railroad management. 1841 William marries Maria Kissam. They have eight children. 1851 Cornelius’ Accessory Transit Company provides shorter, cheaper transportation from New York to San Francisco. He gains national prominence. 1870s Cornelius consolidates two core companies