Caroline Webster Schermerhorn Astor

Biography

Caroline Webster Schermerhorn Astor was one of the most influential and prominent socialites of the Gilded Age, reigning as the arbiter of New York's high society for decades. As the wife of William Backhouse Astor Jr., she wielded unprecedented social power, famously hosting lavish balls and gatherings that defined the era's most exclusive social circles, with her guest list determining who belonged to New York's elite.

Known as the "Mrs. Astor," she established herself as the ultimate authority on matters of social etiquette and propriety, her influence extending far beyond mere social gatherings to shape the cultural and philanthropic landscape of New York. Her legacy as the preeminent society hostess of her era and her role in defining American high society established her as an iconic figure whose name became synonymous with wealth, refinement, and social supremacy.