Caroline Schermerhorn Astor

AKA:

Lina, The Queen of New York

Birth Name:

Caroline Webster Schermerhorn

Birth Date:

September 22, 1830

Birth Place:

1 Greenwich Street, New York, New York

Death Date:

October 30, 1908

Place of Death:

Astor Mansion, 840 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York

Age:

Cause of Death:

Heart failure

Cemetery Name:

Trinity Church Cemetery and Mausoleum

Claim to Fame:

Business and Finance

Associates:

Vincent Astor

Caroline Schermerhorn Astor, often called “The Mrs. Astor,” was one of the most influential and wealthy social figures in the United States during the late 19th century's Gilded Age. Married to William Backhouse Astor Jr., she was part of the immensely wealthy Astor family, whose fortune came from real estate investments that made them among the richest families in America. Living in a lavish mansion on New York’s Fifth Avenue, Caroline Astor became the unofficial leader of high society, using her wealth, social connections, and elaborate entertainments to shape the city’s elite social world. She was famous for maintaining an exclusive list of prominent families known as the “Four Hundred,” which represented those considered acceptable in fashionable society. Her luxurious lifestyle included grand balls, elegant dinners, expensive clothing, domestic servants, and extensive travel, all symbols of the immense wealth enjoyed by America’s upper class during the Gilded Age. Caroline’s death marked the end of old-style high society in New York City. She had ruled over the upper crust as an un-crowned American queen, and an invitation to one of Mrs. Astor’s famous balls was the ultimate symbol of one’s social rank.

Fun Facts

While the Astor family possessed a far greater fortune than the Schermerhorns, the Schermerhorns belonged to the ultra-elite “old money” Knickerbocker families of New Amsterdam, which gave them the superior social pedigree that the Astors lacked. And trust me when I say that Caroline never let the Astor Family forget it.

Cemetery Information:

Final Resting Place:

Trinity Church Cemetery and Mausoleum

770 Riverside Drive

New York City, New York, 10032

USA

North America

Map:

Trinity Church Cemetery and Mausoleum in Upper Manhattan in NYC

Grave Location:

Westerly Division, Astor Mausoleum, Plots 827-839

Grave Location Description

As you enter the cemetery from West 153rd Street take a sharp left then a right and drive straight ahead about 200 feet. You are then going to take a hard left and stop. On your right is the cross and Astor name signifying the final resting place of Caroline Astor and several family members. Note you cannot stop here. Drive down to the office and then walk back up the hill for viewing.

Grave Location GPS

40.83334426828874, -73.94801558945433

Visiting The Grave:

Photos:

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FAQ's

Caroline Schermerhorn Astor was born on September 22, 1830.

Caroline Schermerhorn Astor was born in 1 Greenwich Street, New York, New York.

Caroline Schermerhorn Astor died on October 30, 1908.

Caroline Schermerhorn Astor died in Astor Mansion, 840 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York.

Caroline Schermerhorn Astor was 78.

The cause of death was Heart failure.

Caroline Schermerhorn Astor 's grave is in Trinity Church Cemetery and Mausoleum

Videos Featuring Caroline Schermerhorn Astor :

Caroline Astor, The Queen of Gilded Age New York

The Secret World of Caroline Astor: Queen of the Gilded Age

How Mrs. Astor Created “High Society”

Inside 'The 400' of the Gilded Age: Mrs Astor's New York City Elite

The Rise And Fall Of Mrs Astor And Ward McAllister From The Gilded Age

Step Inside Mrs. Astor's Gilded Age Double Mansion: Luxuries Beyond Your Wildest Dreams

Caroline Schermerhorn Astor