What kind of business(es) did Vanderbilt control (location, dates number of employees, etc.)?

Most of the businesses that Cornelius Vanderbilt controlled were railroads.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornelius_Vanderbilt

New York and Harlem Railroad (1863–)

Hudson River Railroad (1864–)
New York Central Railroad (1868–)
Canada Southern Railway (1873–)[11]
Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway (1873?–)
Michigan Central Railroad (1877–)[12]
New York, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad (Nickel Plate Road, 1882–)
West Shore Railroad (1885–)
Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg Railroad
Dunkirk, Allegheny Valley and Pittsburgh Railroad
Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railway
Lake Erie and Western Railroad
Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad

Thanks
BTW -- I'm just going to pick 2-3 and write the dates and location

thanks again Ms. Sue! :)

Cornelius Vanderbilt was a prominent American business magnate who controlled a number of businesses primarily in the transportation industry during the 19th century. Here's how you can find more specific information about the businesses he controlled, including their locations, dates of operation, and number of employees:

1. Start by conducting a search on reputable websites, such as encyclopedia entries, business history websites, or academic sources, which often provide detailed information about historical figures like Cornelius Vanderbilt and their business ventures.

2. Look for specific keywords related to Vanderbilt's businesses, such as "Cornelius Vanderbilt businesses," "Vanderbilt transportation industry," or "Vanderbilt's holdings."

3. Explore the search results and select reliable sources that provide comprehensive information about Vanderbilt's businesses. Pay attention to credible sources like well-known academic institutions, reputable business history websites, or biography references.

4. Within these sources, you can find details regarding the locations of Vanderbilt's businesses. This might include cities or regions where his companies were operating.

5. To find the dates of operation for each business, you can often find the founding year of the company, as well as any significant events or milestones throughout its history. This will provide a timeframe for understanding when Vanderbilt had control over those businesses.

6. Employee numbers might be more challenging to find, as historical records sometimes lack precise details about workforce figures. However, some sources may provide estimates or figures for specific periods based on records or historical accounts.

Remember to verify and cross-reference the information you find to ensure accuracy. Vanderbilt was involved in various industries, including shipping and railroads, so be thorough in your search to gather all relevant information about his business empire.