| (1794
- 1877) |
| Inducted: |
1979 |
| Region: |
MidAtlantic |
| Industry: |
Transportation
|
|
Cornelius Vanderbilt bought a boat with $100 and started a rain-or-shine ferry service to Manhattan. He kept his fares low and provided reliable service. In 1829 Vanderbilt went into shipping . He designed his own vessels, none of which was ever lost at sea while he owned it. At 68 Vanderbilt learned a new business, railroading. He bought control of the little Harlem line and went on to acquire control of the New York Central. |
