Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt II

American racehorse owner and breeder
Questions and Answers

FAQ

Q: Who was Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt II?
A: Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt II was a prominent American businessman, philanthropist, and member of the wealthy Vanderbilt family.
Q: What was his occupation?
A: Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt II was primarily involved in his family's railroad and shipping business. He also served as a director on the boards of several corporations.
Q: What were his notable achievements?
A: Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt II was known for his philanthropic contributions and involvement in various charitable organizations. He helped establish the Alfred G. Vanderbilt Cup Races, which were the first international automobile races held in the United States. Vanderbilt also played a key role in the construction of the New York Central Railroad's Grand Central Terminal.
Q: What was his personal life like?
A: Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt II married three times and had two children. He was an avid sportsman, known for his love of horse racing and yachting. Vanderbilt was also a dedicated traveler, exploring different parts of the world and collecting rare books and manuscripts.
Q: How did Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt II pass away?
A: Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt II tragically died during the sinking of the RMS Lusitania in 1915. He heroically offered his life vest to a female passenger before the ship sank. Vanderbilt was among the over 1,000 people who lost their lives in the tragedy.