The Vanderbilts's Newport

Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt (1794-1877) established the family fortune in steamships and later in the New York Central Railroad. As the industrial revolution reached its zenith in the late 19th century, the Vanderbilts soon became the wealthiest family in America and chose Newport as their summer playground. Learn about the family empire and visit two of the grandest villas ever built in the United States. Completed in 1892, Marble House was modeled after the Petit Trianon at Versailles and took nearly four years to build with a total cost exceeding $11 million dollars. Enjoy the stories of the elaborate parties of the gilded age and Alva Vanderbilt as you tour the public rooms and grounds of Marble House. Next, visit the grandest of Newport's summer ‘cottages’, the Breakers was inspired by the 16th century palaces of Genoa and Turin. Completed in 1895, the mansion is situated on a 13 acre estate overlooking a spectacular view of the rugged Atlantic coastline.