Instructions: Answer each question to the best of your ability. Once you select an answer, you will then find out if it is correct or not. There will also be an explanation to help you learn more about history. An orange “Continue” button will appear and allow you to move to the next question.
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One of America's first business tycoons, Cornelius Vanderbilt constructed an economic empire in what particular industry?
Railroads
Canal digging
Oil
Pharmaceuticals
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Despite being known as the king of the railways, what was Vanderbilt's business originally involved in?
Mining
Shipping vessels
Industrial agriculture
Steel work
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What was the great event in American history that spurred Vanderbilt to sell all of his shipping fleet and invest in the booming American railroad industry?
The end of the Civil War
The Great Depression
The Louisiana Purchase
The completion of the first Trans-Continental Railroad
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Cornelius Vanderbilt groomed his youngest son George Washington Vanderbilt to take over the family business after his father's eventual passing. Why was it that George Washington Vanderbilt didn't end up inheriting his father's company?
George died in the Civil War
George was sent to jail for bribery
George was only 8 when his father passed away
George didn't want the responsibility and let his older brother take over
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Vanderbilt's continuous success made him one of the richest men in America. In order to establish a legacy before his passing, what now famous American landmark did he order to be created?
The St. Louis Arch
The George Washington Bridge
Grand Central Station
The Statue of Liberty
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As Vanderbilt went on a reckless spending spree to buy out all of his competitors, two men were able to completely divert his plans. What was the name of this mischievous duo who printed inflated stock so that Vanderbilt could never buy the industry out completely?
Pierce and Jameson
Lowery and Tomlin
Watson and Crick
Gould and Fisk
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As is usual in the case of big businessmen, because of Vanderbilt's success and continuous patronage, other future tycoons got their starts hoping to match his empire. What legendary business tycoon got his start by selling kerosene through Vanderbilt's railways?
Henry Ford
Andrew Carnegie
J.P. Morgan
John Rockefeller
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What rather fitting nickname that payed homage to his early days running a shipping service was Vanderbilt commonly known by?
Captain
The Commodore
The Admiral
Skipper
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Not exactly a philanthropist, Vanderbilt spent much more of his time amassing his fortune than using it. Having said that, one of his long-lasting charitable efforts was a namesake university that is located in what city?
Chicago
N.Y.C.
Nashville
Buffalo
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One of Vanderbilt's many grandsons took the fortune they inherited and decided to build what is currently the largest privately-owned home in the United States. What is the name of this massive residence?
The Breakers
The Biltmore
The Beachers
The Benton
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Writer / Quiz Creator
Andrew Nicholas is a passionate reader and writer on the subjects of history and mankind. He is a published author, critic, and poet who grew up in the friendly scenery of rural Ohio. He is a graduate of Wright State University and a regular student of historical curiosities.