American Royal Family Dynasties

    __By Tiffany Amber Stockton__

In October, I had fun sharing about the oldest outdoor theatre that exists in Kentucky—the Pioneer Playhouse. This month, I'm introducing two old-school families that have established positions in American history.

I also apologize for the lack of the post photos. Google is giving me a fit about my account and despite logging in, it's telling me I need to sign in. (sigh) If I figure it out, I'll come back and add photos. Nevertheless, you can still enjoy the story. 😊

Two Dynasties—Two Different Directions

The United States may lack a royal family, but we do have our own dynasties. Take the Vanderbilts and the Rockefellers — two iconic families whose names alone bring to mind immense wealth, power, and ambition. Cornelius Vanderbilt, with his sprawling railroad empire, built a fortune that helped define the extravagance of the Gilded Age. Then there’s John D. Rockefeller, who dominated the oil industry and became known just as much for his incredible philanthropy and commitment to conservation.

While both families rose to prominence through self-made success, their legacies veered in different directions. The Vanderbilts became symbols of lavish living and architectural wonders like the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, while the Rockefellers left an enduring mark on charity and the preservation of natural spaces. Their stories, though linked by influence, reveal two distinct paths to lasting impact.

The stories of these dynasties took very different turns. Cornelius Vanderbilt’s empire, valued at over $100 million when he passed, dwindled over the generations. By 1973, when 120 of his descendants gathered at Vanderbilt University for their first reunion, not one was a millionaire. Arthur T. Vanderbilt captured this dramatic decline in Fortune’s Children: The Fall of the House of Vanderbilt, while Anderson Cooper, a Vanderbilt descendant himself, also explored how lavish spending and poor planning led to their downfall.

In contrast, the Rockefellers have held onto their wealth for generations. Through strategic investments, philanthropy, and smart financial planning, the family has kept their fortune growing, with nearly 100 descendants still enjoying billions today. Alongside the financial savvy, the Rockefellers credit their enduring legacy to a commitment to family values, with large gatherings — sometimes over 100 people — held at least twice a year to keep those bonds strong.

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN:

* If you had inherited a large fortune, would you focus on preserving it for future generations, or would you prioritize living lavishly?

* Which family legacy resonates more with you: the Vanderbilts' love of art and opulence that is shared with the American people, or the Rockefellers' focus on philanthropy and financial stewardship? Why?

* Does your family has any traditions or values that will be passed down for generations? If so, what are they?

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Come back on the 9th of each month for my next foray into historical tidbits to share.

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BIO

Tiffany Amber Stockton has embellished stories since childhood, thanks to a very active imagination and notations of talking entirely too much. Honing those skills led her to careers as an award-winning, best-selling author and speaker, while also working as a professional copywriter/copyeditor. She loves to share life-changing products and ideas with others to help improve their lives in a variety of ways, but especially from the inside out.

Currently, she lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, along with their two children, one dog, and three cats in southeastern Kentucky. In her 20+ years as a professional writer, she has sold twenty-six (26) books so far and has agent representation with Tamela Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. You can find her on Facebook and GoodReads.