The Gilded Age Families Who Disappeared (Documentary)

In the lavish tapestry of American history, certain families have risen to prominence during the Gilded Age, weaving their legacies into the fabric of the nation's identity.

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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Introduction
1:10 The Fricks: When $3 Billion Disappears From The Gilded Age
19:43 The Goulds: The $71 Billion Gilded Age Family Who Disappeared
44:51 The Dohenys: The "Old Money" Family That Built Beverly Hills
1:06:30 The Cabots: The Family The Kennedys Destroyed
1:33:46 The Carnegies: When You Give Billions Away
1:52:08 The Vanderbilts: From "Old Money" To No Money

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Yet, as time passed, some of these illustrious names faded into obscurity, their fortunes dissipated or their influence waned, leaving behind tales of opulence, philanthropy, and sometimes, stark decline.

The Frick family, once industrial titans with a fortune worth $3 billion, serves as a poignant example of Gilded Age prosperity that subtly receded from the public eye.

Henry Clay Frick, a formidable figure in the steel industry and a notable art patron, laid the foundations for a dynasty that later chose paths divergent from their forebear's industrial pursuits, turning towards science, education, and the arts.

Moving to the West Coast, the Dohenys, known for their pivotal role in developing Beverly Hills and their oil riches, crafted an empire that profoundly shaped Los Angeles.

Edward L. Doheny's involvement in the infamous Teapot Dome scandal added a layer of notoriety to the family's legacy, which his descendants have navigated by maintaining a relatively low profile while continuing their philanthropic endeavors, preserving their status as "old money" without the usual fanfare.

The Gould family, once railroad magnates boasting a staggering fortune of $71 billion in today's dollars, experienced perhaps one of the most dramatic declines.

Their story is a stark reminder of how quickly vast wealth can evaporate when subsequent generations stray from the prudent economic principles of their ancestors.

In Massachusetts, the Cabots, an old-line Boston Brahmin family, faced an unusual twist in their historical narrative.

Allegedly eclipsed by the political rise of the Kennedys, the Cabots have transitioned from their Gilded Age prominence to become stalwarts of private civic involvement and philanthropy, their public visibility dimmed but their societal contributions enduring.

Andrew Carnegie's story contrasts sharply with those who hoarded their wealth.

This titan of industry turned philanthropist gave away the vast majority of his wealth, creating enduring institutions such as Carnegie Hall and numerous public libraries. His legacy, paradoxically, is not a diminished fortune but a wealth of public assets that continue to enrich humanity.

Lastly, the Vanderbilts, perhaps the most quintessential example of "Old Money" fading into "No Money," saw their immense fortune, built on railroads and shipping, dissolve through lavish spending and poor financial management.

The grand Vanderbilt mansions, once symbols of unrivaled wealth, now serve as hotels, museums, and university buildings, stark monuments to a dissipated fortune.

Each of these families reflects a unique narrative arc, from the heights of economic power during the Gilded Age to varied destinies shaped by their handling of immense wealth.

Whether through philanthropy, scandal, or financial mismanagement, their stories offer a window into the complexities of maintaining vast fortunes and the ephemeral nature of "old money" in America.

These families, once pillars of American industry and high society, now serve as historical case studies in the lifecycle of wealth and the shifting sands of time that can elevate or diminish the prominence of even the most storied dynasties.

As we reflect on their legacies, we are reminded of the volatile dance of fortune and time, which spares none in its unending rhythm.

[KathyJeanActress]

I am rewatching this tonight after watching it last night. Your channel is awesome. This video blows my mind. Thank you.

[karensnowden]

Excellent I learnt a lot about those families I never knew

[ohmeowzer]

My grandmother and grandfather were very good friends with the Vanderbelts. They were from upstate ny and owed many of the tenement homes in upstate ny. They always hung around with the vanderbelts and many tv stars.

[rebeccaherschman]

The Frick collection is the most beautiful and eclectic mix of art I have ever seen . Here in Pennsylvania when I was a child the coke works and steel co. was still open...and still the name Frick was one that was infamous

[Bess]

Please remember to leave a LIKE. This channel is excellent!!

[stacyreedy]

Enjoyed the video. Even if they were not as wealthy. The descendents left their mark in history.

[valeriegoogins]

Saw “ Men who Built America “ good series! The scenes in the documentary are from that series. Frick is the one twirling that stick. Guess Frick was an S.O.B. Got Carnage in a lot of trouble… enjoying this.

[ripplesable]

I don’t care for the background music but the content is interesting.

[partlycloudy]

Very unusual for a tycoon to leave his wealth to a woman in those days women were fighting for thier right to vote

[everettaitken]

Some nice recommendations for other biographies/documentaries to watch

[A.K.sensationalplan]

Very intresting excellent aswome chennal i really enjoyed ❤❤❤❤❤

[jacobellis]

This is the prettiest, most elegant word salad 🥗 I've ever heard 😂 I enjoy watching though!

[silverbackag]

$2.9 billion. lol a lot more than that. They very much lie on the CPI report and all other measures of inflation.

[leeatterberry]

I watched an OJ Simpson video and now my whole damn YouTube is filled up with them

[indrekkpringi]

They should make a video about the robber baron families that are still here;
BUT HAVE DISAPPEARED FROM PUBLIC VIEW
DUE TO THEIR CONTROL OF MASS MEDIA DELETING ALL MENTION OF THEIR EXISTENCE; but they don't.

[erinmaylimot]

Quick question though, was there a possibility that you can be removed from Mrs. Astors List?

[davehendricks]

As a descendant of an industrialist from this era whose ancestors battled with some of the characters covered in this series (and this episode), these folks were not remotely ‘old money’ of their day. They were often (seen as) crude arrivistes and bought status like they bought everything else.

Frick was an innovator and decent collector. His art collection is his lasting legacy. While some traits are hereditary, excess money has a way of dulling that spark. It’s a common thread.

The most successful of the wealthy families chose their financial advisors well as well as had some well-deserved (sometimes lucky or hmmm) breaks come their way.

What an interesting era.

[moochomo]

Never realized how important Coke was to Steel production 😅

[RadioWhoPoo]

You'd think Gould would inject some Art Deco or Beaux Arts into his hotels --- yuck!

[lovepet]

I adore the Edwardian period
Id have loved to live back in the early 20th century