Background
Whitney, Cornelius Vanderbilt was born on February 20, 1899 in New York City.
Whitney, Cornelius Vanderbilt was born on February 20, 1899 in New York City.
Bachelor, Yale University, 1922. Degree in Aeronautical Science (honorary), Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 1978. Doctor of Humane Letters (honorary), University Florida, Gainesville, 1983.
Founder, Pan American Airways, 1927; Chairman of the Board, Pan American Airways, until 1941; founder, Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Company, 1928; Chairman of the Board, Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Company, until 1964; director, Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Company, until 1974; president, Whitney Industries, Inc., 1931-1989; founder, Marineland of Florida Inc., 1937; Chairman of the Board, Marineland of Florida Inc., until 1984; assistant secretary, United States Army Air Force, 1947-1949; undersecretary commerce, 1949-1950; special envoy of, President to, England, Luxembourg, Italy, Spain, 1950; representative of President at, funeral of King Frederick of Denmark, January 1972. Director Churchill Downs.
Board directors Saratoga Performing Arts Center, National Museum of Dance. Past trustee Whitney Museum American Art, American Museum Natural History. Founder Whitney Gallery of Western Art, Cody, Wyoming, 1958, director, 1958-1992.
Founder National Museum of Racing, Saratoga, New York, 1950. Director emeritus Buffalo Bill History Foundation, Cody, Wyoming. Past member Kentucky Governor's Economic Commission Governor Rockefeller's advisory committee on the future of the Adirondack region.
Served to Second lieutenant, A.C. United States Army, World War I. To colonel United States Army Air Force, 1941-1946. Member of Angler (New York City), River (New York City), Brook (New York City), Jockey (New York City), Turf and Field (New York City).
Married Marie Louise Hosford, January 24, 1958. 5 children.