William Kissam Vanderbilt II (1878-1944)

He left during his second year at Harvard University and failed in his attempt to enlist for action in the Spanish-American War. He became an executive with the New York Central Railroad, touring the country to report back to his father on the operation and conditions of their various railroads. But, as his father's interest waned in the family business, so too did Willie Jr.'s, who is now chiefly remembered as a motor-racing enthusiast and yachtsman. He incorporated the Vanderbilt Cup Races that were held along the Long Island Motor Parkway from 1904 to 1910, but officiated rather than raced himself. He was married twice and was the father of three children. After his first marriage, he lived at "Deepdale" (see images) at Lake Success on Long Island. After he separated, he employed Warren & Wetmore to build another estate, "Eagle's Nest" on the east side of Little Neck Road that was influenced by his travels in Spain, Portugal, and South America. The 24-room mansion was built between 1910 and 1936 and is now part of the Vanderbilt Museum, Mansion & Planetarium at Centerpoint in Suffolk County, L.I.