Fashion icon, actress, and heiress Gloria Vanderbilthas died at the age of 95, her son Anderson Cooperconfirmed.
Asheville residents — and visitors — may wonder how closely related she wasto the local branch of the Vanderbilt dynasty.
Gloria Vanderbilt dead at age 95: 'What an extraordinary woman,' son Anderson Cooper says
George Washington Vanderbilt, who commissioned the Biltmore Housein 1882, was Gloria Vanderbilt's great-uncle.Gloria Vanderbilt's grandfather, Cornelius Vanderbilt II,and George Washington Vanderbiltwere brothers. And those brotherswere grandsons of railroad and shipping magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt.
Bill Cecil Jr., Asheville native and CEO of the Biltmore Co., is Gloria Vanderbilt's third cousin (they share great-grandfather William Henry VanderbiltI).
Correction: an earlier version of this story misstatedGeorge Washington Vanderbilt's relationship toGloria Vanderbilt.
As an enthusiast in history and genealogy, I can delve into the intricate web of connections in the Vanderbilt dynasty and its ties to Asheville. Gloria Vanderbilt's life is deeply intertwined with this renowned family, known for its vast wealth and influence during the Gilded Age in America. Here's a breakdown of the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Gloria Vanderbilt: She was a prominent figure, known for her influence in fashion, acting, and as an heiress of the Vanderbilt family.
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Anderson Cooper: He's Gloria Vanderbilt's son, a well-known journalist and television personality.
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George Washington Vanderbilt: He commissioned the Biltmore House in 1882 and was Gloria Vanderbilt's great-uncle. The Biltmore House stands as a testament to the Vanderbilt family's wealth and grandeur.
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Cornelius Vanderbilt II: He was Gloria Vanderbilt's grandfather and, along with George Washington Vanderbilt, was a brother. They were grandsons of the railroad and shipping magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt, who amassed immense wealth during the 19th century.
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Bill Cecil Jr.: He's the CEO of the Biltmore Co. and Gloria Vanderbilt's third cousin, sharing a great-grandfather, William Henry Vanderbilt I.
The Vanderbilts were a powerhouse family, deeply involved in various industries, particularly railroads and shipping. Their wealth was colossal, and their influence stretched across multiple generations. Gloria Vanderbilt's connections to Asheville through familial ties, especially with the Biltmore House, exemplify the family's enduring legacy in the area. The correction in the article rectifies the relationship between George Washington Vanderbilt and Gloria Vanderbilt, clarifying their familial connection accurately.
The Vanderbilt dynasty's story is not just about opulence and grand estates but also about the complexities of familial relationships and the enduring impact they've had on American history and culture.
