They Went From Riches to Rags: How the Vanderbilts Lost It All
To this day, the Vanderbilts are an intriguing family who made history in the United States. Their name was built up to be associated with business, success, and wealth. However, nowadays, the family name doesn’t have the same recognition it used to. They are known as the family who lost it all. Without their large fortune, the family lost their luxuries and social status. In addition, the media was all over them.
The first row left to right: William Kissam Vanderbilt in January 1933. Photo by Granger / Shutterstock Timothy Olyphant. Photo by Stewart Cook / Shutterstock. Alva Vanderbilt. Photo by Granger / Shutterstock. Second row left to right: Source: Twitter / MJ Photos, Shutterstock / James Vanderbilt. Photo by Marion Curtis / Starpix / Shutterstock
The public was so interested in the shocking family drama. How could the richest family in America lose their entire inherited fortune and tarnish the Vanderbilt name? The Vanderbilt dynasty got a little bit too comfortable with their wealth and status that careless mistakes and irresponsible behavior led to a shocking downfall. The tale of the Vanderbilt dynasty is truly a riches to rags story.