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A grand 19th century mansion formerly owned by the Vanderbilt family.

The Breakers mansion is a famous historic house located in Newport. It is one of the grandest and most well-known mansions in the United States. The mansion was built by the Vanderbilt family, one of the wealthiest families in America during the late 19th century.

The Breakers was constructed between 1893 and 1895 as a summer home for Cornelius Vanderbilt II, who was the president of the New York Central Railroad. The mansion was designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt in the Italian Renaissance style, inspired by the grand palaces of Europe. It was built with the finest materials and no expense was spared.

The Breakers has 70 rooms spread over five floors. The main rooms include the grand Great Hall, the lavish dining room, the beautiful library, and many luxurious bedrooms. The interiors are decorated with elaborate details, including marble, gold leaf, and intricate woodwork. The mansion also has modern conveniences for its time, such as electricity, central heating, and indoor plumbing.

The grounds of The Breakers are just as impressive as the mansion itself. The estate covers 13 acres and includes beautifully landscaped gardens, a large lawn, and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The Breakers was designed to showcase the Vanderbilt family's wealth and social status.

In 1948, the Vanderbilt family donated The Breakers to the Preservation Society of Newport County to ensure its preservation. Today, The Breakers is a museum open to the public. Visitors can take guided tours of the mansion to learn about its history and see its magnificent rooms and gardens.

Source ChatGPT

Who was Cornelius Vanderbilt II?

Cornelius Vanderbilt II, born on November 27, 1843, was a famous American businessman from the wealthy Vanderbilt family. He was the eldest son of William Henry Vanderbilt and the grandson of Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, who built the family's fortune. Cornelius Vanderbilt II led the New York Central Railroad, helping to expand the family's wealth and influence in the railroad industry. He was also known for his lavish lifestyle and built grand homes like The Breakers in Newport, Rhode Island.

Besides his business work, Cornelius was involved in charitable activities, supporting places like Yale University. He died on September 12, 1899, leaving a legacy of business success, impressive architecture, and philanthropy. His life shows how the Vanderbilt family became prominent in American society in the late 19th century.