Abstract
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>This chapter traces the building of the Astor fortune from the late 18th to mid 19th century to show a trajectory of capital accumulation. This work suggests the importance of distinguishing between those capitals that are (1) necessary to become an elite, (2) a consequence of having become an elite, and (3) critical to sustaining an elite position. The case of the Astors shows the simultaneous, intertwined accumulation of social and economic capital and the relative unimportance of cultural capital. Cultural capital is only established after becoming an elite and appears to be more of a strategy of sustaining rather than acquiring an elite position. In the case of social capital, while the literature on elite networks tends to focus on intra-elite ties or an “inner circle,” this case finds that non-elite ties can be essential to acquiring elite status.</jats:p>