Which business did Cornelius Vanderbilt control by the late 1800s? O A. Oil O B. Farming O O C. Electric D. Railroads

D. Railroads

By the late 1800s, Cornelius Vanderbilt had established a massive empire in the railroad industry. Known as one of America's leading industrialists during the 19th century, Vanderbilt originally made his fortune in the steamboat business but later shifted his focus to railroads, where he would achieve his greatest successes. He consolidated several large railroad companies, which not only made him extremely wealthy but also had a profound impact on the railroad industry as a whole.

Extra: Starting in the 1820s, Cornelius Vanderbilt began to build his wealth through the steamboat industry, and he became known as the "Commodore". Later in life, he saw the potential of the emerging railroad industry and began to invest heavily in it. Vanderbilt's strategy involved buying up various small railroads and consolidating them into more efficient and profitable lines. One of his most significant accomplishments was the creation of the New York Central Railroad, which provided a direct rail route from New York City to Chicago and was one of the largest railroads in the United States.

The consolidation of railroads by magnates like Vanderbilt played a crucial role in standardizing the operations and track gauges, leading to more reliable and cost-effective transportation for goods and passengers across the country. This helped to spur economic growth during the latter part of the 19th century. Railroads became one of the most important infrastructures in America, fundamentally changing the landscape of American commerce and industry. Vanderbilt's success is a paramount example of the era of industrialization in the United States, a period that is often referred to as the Gilded Age due to the rapid economic growth and ostentatious wealth of its foremost industrialists.