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Astoria, Queens. Astor Place. The Waldorf-Astoria. Even if you're not a New Yorker, you've heard of these iconic places. You also probably know they're named for one very powerful family: the Astors.
To this day, the Astors' money and influence still make waves in society.
So how do you build a dynasty like this one, with money that lasts for generations? Take a look at how the Astors made their fortune.
This story was originally published in April 2012. It was updated in July 2024.