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cover of episode 178.2 - The Vanderbilts and the Biltmore Estate

178.2 - The Vanderbilts and the Biltmore Estate

2024/12/25
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American English Podcast

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Shawna: 本期播客主要讲述了范德比尔特家族及其在北卡罗来纳州阿什维尔的比尔特莫庄园的故事。范德比尔特家族通过19世纪的蒸汽船和铁路运输业积累了巨额财富,对美国的工业发展做出了巨大贡献。比尔特莫庄园是美国最大的私人住宅,体现了镀金时代的奢华,但同时也体现了乔治·华盛顿·范德比尔特二世的可持续发展理念,庄园内有农场、花园等设施,并注重环境保护。 范德比尔特家族的成功离不开科尼利厄斯·范德比尔特(“准将”)的努力,他通过低价和高效的服务,在竞争激烈的市场中脱颖而出,最终垄断了蒸汽船行业,之后又进军铁路行业,建立了庞大的铁路网络。他的商业策略在当时缺乏政府监管的环境下得以成功实施。 比尔特莫庄园的建造体现了当时先进的技术和工艺,例如电力和室内管道系统,以及精心设计的景观和建筑。庄园内拥有250个房间,包括宴会厅、图书馆等,收藏了大量的艺术品和书籍。 除了奢华的一面,比尔特莫庄园也注重可持续发展,例如从田间到餐桌的项目,以及对餐厅和牲畜废物的处理和再利用。乔治·华盛顿·范德比尔特二世还重视艺术和环境保护,庄园内种植了马利筋来保护帝王蝶。 总而言之,范德比尔特家族的故事不仅是财富积累的故事,也是创新、可持续发展和文化传承的故事。比尔特莫庄园作为家族遗产的代表,不仅是美国历史的见证,也是一个值得参观的旅游景点。

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In this episode, we explore the fascinating legacy of the Vanderbilt family and their iconic Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. Discover how Cornelius Vanderbilt, "The Commodore," built a fortune through steamboats and railroads during the Industrial Revolution, leaving a lasting impact on American infrastructure, culture, and philanthropy.

Together we'll take a tour of the Biltmore Estate, the largest privately-owned home in the U.S., featuring 250 rooms, stunning gardens designed by Central Park's Frederick Law Olmsted, and modern innovations like indoor plumbing and electricity. You'll learn polite and casual ways to describe wealth in English, such as "affluent" or "filthy-stinkin' rich," while gaining insights into the Gilded Age—a term coined by Mark Twain to describe the era's wealth and inequality.

What next? Plan a visit to experience the Blue Ridge Mountains, farm-to-table dining, and the country’s most-visited winery, especially during the magical holiday season. Access the full transcript, vocabulary list, and more by signing up to Season 4 Premium Content.

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