What type of business was cornelius vanderbilt involved in?

Cornelius Vanderbilt was primarily involved in the shipping and railroad industries. He started his career in the 19th century as a steamboat operator and later expanded into railroads, where he played a significant role in consolidating several rail lines. His ventures helped establish a more efficient transportation network in the United States, making him one of the wealthiest individuals of his time. Vanderbilt's business practices and investments significantly shaped the American transportation landscape.