KIDS TRIVIA

Detailed explanation-1: -Shipping and railroad tycoon Cornelius Vanderbilt (1794-1877) was a self-made multi-millionaire who became one of the wealthiest Americans of the 19th century. As a boy, he worked with his father, who operated a boat that ferried cargo between Staten Island, New York, where they lived, and Manhattan.

Detailed explanation-2: -Cornelius Vanderbilt (May 27, 1794 – January 4, 1877), nicknamed “the Commodore", was an American business magnate who built his wealth in railroads and shipping.

Detailed explanation-3: -“Vanderbilt sorely wanted the long-distance passengers and through freight that came from the West via the Central, no matter how little revenue he received. Unlike a steamboat and steamship line, a railroad suffered from high fixed costs. It was an immovable piece of infrastructure.

Detailed explanation-4: -His single ship quickly became a fleet of ships and he was christened “The Commodore.” He quickly understood the power of transportation – own the infrastructure and call the shot. At this peak, he does the unthinkable; he sold all his ships and invested in railroads.