The Legacy of the Astor Family in America

The Astor family name has always held a prominent place in American history, and even in the year 2025, their influence continues to be felt. Currently, HBO is bringing to life the story of Caroline Schermerhorn Astor, also known as “Mrs. Astor,” and her daughter Carrie in the series The Gilded Age. This past June, the iconic Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York City made a grand re-opening after being closed for eight years. Historian David Freeland described the Waldorf as a reflection of New York itself, stating that its reopening symbolizes the return of a great public space within the city (source).

With a fortune that traces back to the late 1700s, the Astors initially amassed wealth through fur trading and later through real estate investments in New York City. John Jacob Astor, the family patriarch, was the first multi-millionaire in American history.

Throughout the generations, the Astor family has played a significant role in shaping and reflecting the history of the United States. Caroline Astor, for instance, was a prominent figure in the exclusive New York society of her time, while her son John Jacob Astor IV was instrumental in developing grand buildings in the rapidly growing city of New York. Tragically, John Jacob Astor IV perished in the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. Fast forward to the 1990s, Brooke Astor was renowned for her philanthropic efforts and social engagements. Renowned photographer Bill Cunningham once described her as a social butterfly who saw parties as an opportunity to champion her causes and connect with interesting individuals.

Throughout their storied history, the Astor family has been immortalized in the pages of Vogue, showcasing their impeccable fashion sense and grand estates. Take a visual journey through the history of the Astors in our magazine, providing the perfect backdrop before delving into the world of The Gilded Age.