The term "Vanderbilts" refers to a prominent American family known for their significant influence in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The family made its fortune primarily through the shipping and railroad industries, with Cornelius Vanderbilt being the most notable patriarch. He established a vast transportation empire, which laid the groundwork for the family's wealth and status. Over the years, the Vanderbilts became known for their lavish lifestyles and contributions to society, including the construction of grand estates like The Breakers in Newport, Rhode Island. They also played a role in the development of various cultural institutions, such as the Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.