Amazing Entrepreneurs & Business People: A2

Cornelius Vanderbilt (#ulink_1e501650-ba4c-5578-adea-d036677de073)

1794–1877 the man who became one of the richest people in the USA

My first success in business was with ferries and steamships. I bought many lines and opened new ones. I then did the same with railways. I became one of the richest businessmen in the history of the USA.

My family came from the Netherlands to New York, USA, in 1650. I was born on Staten Island, which is close to Manhattan, the main island of New York City. I left school when I was 11 years old. I went to work with my father, who had his own ferry business between Staten Island and Manhattan. I collected money from passengers and did other small jobs.