Mrs Astor and the Four Hundred Mrs. William Backhouse Astor, Jr., better known as Mrs Astor, was a famed and legendary American socialite who played a defining role in one of the most famous social circles in American history. During the late nineteenth-century Gilded Age, Mrs Astor held court and set the standard for the members of an elite socialite circle that became known as “the Four Hundred”. Here, we take a look at the life and legacy of Mrs Astor and the history of the iconic Four Hundred.
Early Life & Background of Mrs Astor
Mrs. Astor was born Caroline Webster Schermerhorn in 1830 on her wealthy Dutch family’s estate in Manhattan in the United States. Mrs Astor was the daughter of a respected banker and lawyer, Abraham Schermerhorn, and had a childhood filled with the kind of upper-class Dutch privilege and culture befitting one of the most elite socialites at the time.
Mrs Astor’s Personal Life
In 1853, Mrs Astor married William Backhouse Astor, Jr., scion of the Astor family and owner of a thriving real estate empire, who, like Caroline, was born into a wealthy and prominent household. Mrs Astor enjoyed a prestigious lifestyle filled with lavish parties and was admired by her peers for her gracious hospitality.
Mrs Astor’s Introductions to Elite Social Circles
Mrs Astor was host to some of the most exclusive cultural and artistic gatherings of the day, even inviting Mark Twain to one of her salons which included other notables such as former President Ulysses S. Grant, aristocrats, and prominent literary figures. Mrs Astor was often described as the ‘the leader of society’.
The Creation of the Round Tables by Mrs Astor
The distinctiveness of a Mrs Astor-hosted dinner party can be credited for creating the ‘round table’ format for banquet seating that is still in use today. Mrs Astor used the round table style banqueting seating to achieve perfect alignment throughout her dinner parties.
The Composition of The Four Hundred
The exact composition of the Four Hundred fluctuated, but was mainly composed of the gentry of wealth, fashion and beauty of New York City at the time. Mrs Astor determined the guest list of her exclusive gatherings made up of the elite and famous of New York City society. Those invited VIPs included industrialists, financiers, and merchants, as well as writers, musicians and military veterans.
Captivating Customs Under Mrs Astor’s Reign
Mrs Astor’s guests were entertained with a multitude of dishes served on sparkling china dishes by liveried servants, often watched over by her intimidating presence. Furthermore, following the no-show rule she set in place, each one of her guests was expected to arrive on time and dine with her exclusively.
Upholding Status Quo by the Rule of Mrs Astor
Mrs Astor was known for her strict observance of the social code of etiquette and it is said that no one could refuse an invitation once it was extended. As the leader of celebrity society, it was her duty to ensure the preservation of a social hierarchy, in which no one individual should be more influential than her.
The Impact of Mrs Astor and The Four Hundred
In the United States, the Four Hundred bridged the gap between the new money of the industrialists and the old money of the families who had been part of the country’s upper social echelons for centuries. From its creation in the 1870s to its finale in the early 20th century, the Four Hundred stood for power, influence, and wealth and served as a historical foundation for the Gilded Age.
Mrs Astor’s Legacy and Lasting Impression
To this day, Mrs Astor is remembered for her grande personality and her popularity among the elite. Whether for her famed lifestyle or for her role as the leader of New York’s high society, Mrs Astor will forever remain an iconic figure in American history. From her, we have gained insight into the prestige and glamour of the Gilded Age.
Mrs Astor will always be remembered as the leader of The Four Hundred, an exclusive group that she created and cultivated to represent the elite of high society. In many ways, Mrs Astor defined the culture of the original American upper class, serving as a model of hospitality and hosting exclusive events. Although Mrs Astor’s exacting reign is long limited to time, her impact and legacy remain today as she continues to be remembered as the leader of the ‘in-crowd’ and an influential figure for the Gilded Age.
