American Dynasties

Some members of American dynasties built, and built upon, their family’s fortunes. Others used them up. 

American dynasties – families whose wealth and power have endured across two or more generations – offer a fascinating and varied history. Some of their descendants spent their wealth. Others built their family fortunes up or donated generously to charity. Often, they succeeded in business. Because inheritance laws gave an advantage to male – especially, firstborn – children, men have played prominent roles in these dynasties.

Two US presidents arose from the Adams family.

The Adams family produced the second and sixth American presidents, and guided the US government from its early years to the Civil War. John Adams (1735-1826) served first as vice president and then as president from 1797 to 1801. Adams married his third cousin, Abigail Smith. Their oldest son, John Quincy Adams, became the sixth president.

As a Massachusetts delegate to the Continental Congress in 1776, John Adams helped write the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft and got credit...