From Murray Hill to Central Park

Question 1

Who was Pierpont Morgan and what institution did he establish?

Answer 1

Pierpont Morgan was a Wall Street titan and founder of U.S. Steel, the first billion-dollar corporation. He established the Morgan Library due to his vast collection of rare books and manuscripts.

Question 2

What did Edward Clark Potter contribute to the New York Public Library?

Answer 2

He created the iconic lion sculptures ‘Patience’ and ‘Fortitude’ that sit outside the NYPL main branch.

Question 3

What major transportation hub did Vanderbilt create in 1871?

Answer 3

Grand Central Depot, which later evolved into Grand Central Terminal, uniting multiple regional rail lines.

Question 4

What architectural trend did William K. Vanderbilt’s Petit Chateau initiate in NYC?

Answer 4

It shifted popular taste from dark brownstones to lighter limestone façades, influencing Gilded Age aesthetics.

Question 5

What role did Cornelius Vanderbilt play in shaping NYC’s infrastructure?

Answer 5

He began as a steamboat operator and grew to dominate the steam trade before shifting to railroads, consolidating them and building Grand Central Depot.

Question 6

What was ‘Vanderbilt Row’?

Answer 6

A stretch of 5th Avenue between Bryant Park and Central Park lined with grand mansions built by William Henry Vanderbilt and his children during the Gilded Age.

Question 7

What caused the decline of Vanderbilt mansions on 5th Avenue?

Answer 7

Rising taxes post-WWI, increasing commercialization, automobile-induced street widening, and the appeal of suburban life led to their sale and demolition.

Question 8

What building marked the end of the Gilded Age on 5th Avenue when demolished?

Answer 8

William Henry and Maria Vanderbilt’s half of the Triple Palace, demolished in 1947.