"Commodore" Cornelius Vanderbilt grew up poor, but has created a railroad empire, making him the richest man in the country.

At 72, he's thirty years past the average life expectancy, and his competitors see him as weak.

It's a mistake they'll come to regret.

Locked in a battle for control of the rail lines east of the Mississippi, the Commodore is holding nothing back.

I want you to close the Albany Bridge.

We're gonna watch them bleed.

Vanderbilt controls the only bridge into New York City, America's busiest port.

Seizing an opportunity, he sets up a blockade.

This train will not be going any farther!

Shutting the bridge leaves millions of pounds of cargo unable to reach the rest of the country, and slowly bleeds his competitors dry.