The Top 5 Richest 'Old Money' Families In America (Still Wealthy Today)

Here, we list the richest "old money" families in America who didn't just cling to their fortunes - they catapulted them into the stratosphere. Indeed, these "old money" families in the US have truly stood the test of time.

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TIMESTAMPS:
1:40 #5 The Dupont Family ($18.1 Billion)
6:08 #4 The Hearst Family ($28 Billion)
10:55 #3 The Johnson Family of Fidelity Investments ($37 Billion)
15:10 #2 The Cargill-MacMillan Family ($56.2 Billion)
18:43 #1 Mars Family ($115.4 Billion)

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In the formidable social hierarchy of the United States, "old money" represents families whose fortunes have been passed down like cherished heirlooms across generations.

These are the dynasties whose wealth seems to have tapped into the fountain of youth, maintaining their affluence through the ages with a blend of style and savvy investment.

Today, we delve into the opulent world of America's wealthiest old money families, from the early Vanderbilts and Goulds, whose once colossal fortunes have since dwindled, to the financial phoenixes like the Rockefellers and Mellons, who transformed their "new money" into enduring old money legacies.

This episode of Old Money Luxury showcases those who have not only maintained their wealth but propelled it into the stratosphere.

Kicking off our list at number five are the Du Ponts, with a net worth of $18.1 billion.

This family started with Eleuthère Irénée du Pont, a French chemist who migrated to the United States and founded a gunpowder mill in 1802.

This venture was just the beginning of a family saga marked by innovation and expansion into industries ranging from dynamite to the nascent automotive sector, notably acquiring significant stakes in General Motors.

Despite their substantial influence, the Du Ponts have faced their share of controversies, including environmental lawsuits and dramatic family disputes, notably the tragic case of John Eleuthère du Pont. Today, they continue to influence through various business ventures and significant philanthropic efforts.

At number four, with $28 billion, are the Hearsts.

Originating from George Hearst's successful mining investments, his son William Randolph Hearst created a media empire starting with the San Francisco Examiner and expanding across newspapers, magazines, and even film studios. His legacy, managed through a tightly held trust ensuring long-term family control, includes vast media holdings and investments that continue to yield substantial revenues.

The Johnson family of Fidelity Investments ranks third with $37 billion.

Founded by Edward C. Johnson II in 1946, Fidelity was a pioneer in mutual funds.

His son, Ned Johnson, expanded the company into a global financial services leader, with Fidelity now managing trillions in assets.

Today, Edward's granddaughter, Abigail Johnson, leads the company, continuing its legacy of innovation, including venturing into cryptocurrencies.

Second place belongs to the Cargill-MacMillan family, worth $56.2 billion.

Their wealth originates from William Wallace Cargill's agribusiness ventures in the 19th century.

Today, Cargill, Inc. remains the largest private corporation in the U.S. by revenue, with family members holding significant wealth and maintaining private control over the company's operations, which span across global markets.

Topping the list are the Mars family, with a staggering net worth of $115.4 billion, derived from the candy empire built by Franklin Clarence Mars.

Mars, Incorporated, known for products like Milky Way, Snickers, and M&M's, has expanded into pet care and other food products, diversifying the family's holdings.

Family members, including Jacqueline and John Mars, have largely stepped back from day-to-day operations but continue to oversee the growth and strategic direction of the conglomerate.

These families exemplify the quintessential American "old money" story, demonstrating not just the ability to maintain wealth over generations but to adapt and expand their legacies in the face of changing times and industries.

In this exclusive circle, longevity and the ability to innovate are what set these families apart, ensuring their place in the annals of American financial history.

[oldmoneyluxury]

COMMENT: Which of these “old money” families would you like us to do a longer-form, in-depth history of?

[ianboard]

One thing about the families with staying power: they don't allow their kids to be useless. They are educated and put to work with high expectations.

[henrywinterheld]

Good video. Would also like to point out that DuPont was also the reason that hemp was made illegal. Because it was cheaper and stronger and was cutting into profits of DuPont, they went to Washington and paid enough money to politicians to have it made illegal so they could boost their bottom line. Way to look out for the little guys

[dimitrioschatziasimiadis]

Same topic about European families would be amazing too🔥🔥

[johnbethea]

I once worked with Nestle. I would like to hear about their founders..

[wkvghgh]

Fascinating to watch. Please produce more about the next five wealthiest old money families.

[Pharaonin]

Strong families. Nice to hear something about them. Thank you for your documentation.

[michaelcoleman]

How about the Van Rensselaer family. I understand that at one time they lived on the interest on their interest.

[franciscodanconia]

Uh how was Edward Johnson president of Fidelity in 1943, 3 years before he bought the company in 1946. And what Great Depression happened in the late 1940s?

[cathykrueger]

I would love a video about the Krueger family of the Krueger Brewery in Newark. Enjoyed this video and look forward to more.

[jeanne-wn]

Cut the background music, it adds nothing but irritation.

[barbarawilson]

Enjoyed all but the music was a bit too much. (banging on the piano jazz)
Also, too loud.

[therock-ohyw]

HEY YOUR NEXT VIDEO DO IT ON THE OLD MONEY BUSCH FAMILY OF ANHEUSER BUSCH

[scottsandmeyer]

Being familiar with Cargill holdings in Florida, perhaps some reporting on the land usage of these ultra-high net worth families.

[KCCardCo]

The DuPont's also married within. First cousins married each other and it preserved the wealth on both sides.

[RobertCHRoy]

Some past dynasties like Mellon and Carnegie would be fantastic.

[jermainemuchali]

Kindly do The Koch Family old money history mini documentary

[amuiquaye]

Thanks for producing such powerful videos

[junehanzawa]

Very poor list. Clearly not an American putting it together. The Vanderbilts (they still have more money that most realise when combined), the Rockefellers, the Johnsons's of the pharmaceutical juggernaut, just to name a few from the top of the head, are older and still richer (when combined) than a couple listed here. That's true Old Money from the 19th century, not less than a century like the Mars and Fidelity's family money.

If you're going to use 20th century families like the Mars fortune family, then you'll have to include the Waltons and the Kochs and Lauders and Busch's and even the Gates and the Jobs, etc. I realize that America is not very old, but it's still older than a single century.

[jeffzawislak]

The funny thing is as if Cargill. ever went public. They'd be 3 times the size of the Mars family.