In 1870 the Vanderbilt's net worth was $100 Million which today is $2.3 Billion. The Astor's worth was $87 Million in 2012 which today is 2.64 Billion. At his death in Rome in 1913, JP Morgan was worth $80 Million which today is $2.3 Billion. The Vanderbilt's were in railroads and shipping, the Astor's in furs and then in real estate and the Morgan's were bankers who specialized in tuning failing companies into money makers. JP Morgan created US Steel, International Harvester, and General Electric. It was an opportunistic period in America known as the industrial revolution where newly invented machines lead the way to factories shifting away from the long-established agricultural economy.
Newport Rhode Island, the one-time summer escape of some of America’s wealthiest families. The names of Vanderbilt, Astor's and Morgan's are associated with Newport. Today the mansions we can tour were the summer cottages of New York wealth. All three families held the distinction of being America’s Frist Diplomats. The Astor's lineage is an Italian and German mix going back to the House of Savoy in Italy. Vanderbilt’s trace back to a Dutch origin and the Kingdom of Murcia located in modern Spain. The Morgan's first came to light in Wales in the 17th century.
The time is known as the “Gilded Age” and was the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. The Gilding was a thin layer of gold making things seem richer and expensive. Visit Newport’s mansions and you will see gold gilding everywhere. The above picture is a gold piano in the Breakers (pictured above), built by the Vanderbilt's. The Astor's built Beechwood and the Morgan's built Morgan Cottage.
The attraction to Newport was location relative to New York City. Sailboats, fishing, views on the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic. Take a walk on the Cliff Walk for and panoramic view and a cool breeze. The houses were huge and able to accommodate party guests. It was at a time that preceded air conditioning and large-scale hotels. People travelled from New York to Newport by train and steamboat. Same with Boston.
Visiting the Newport Mansions is a trip back in time. Newport has a rich history plus other attractions including boating, yachting, and music. The Newport Jazz, Folk and Pop festivals have featured Duke Ellington, Bob Dylan, BB King, Muddy Waters, Janis Joplin, and Led Zeppelin.
Other fun facts about Newport:
1866 - first photograph taken by electric light.
1886 - home to the first International Polo Match.
1895 - home to the first auto race.
1930-1983 - The prestigious America’s Cup, the oldest trophy in international sport, was raced in the waters off Newport.
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