The History
Explore the history of the Gilded Age with our slideshows highlighting real-life characters in the American Gilt Trilogy. Explore historical houses, maps, census records, and more.
The Whiting Family
The Whiting Family – Judge Swan of the state supreme court of Ohio, summered in Newport, R.I. and was one of the first to build a ‘cottage’ on Aquidneck Island. His daughter married Augustus Whiting and they raised four children in Newport, just as it was becoming the resort of the rich and powerful set of the gilded age. But the story is not about him, or even his daughter. It is about his granddaughter; Sara Swan Whiting.
A bright and beautiful debutant, Sara Swan Whiting was introduced to Oliver Belmont, son of August Belmont. Romance and courtship led to an ill-fated love affair and scandal. History tells one story – but what really happened between the newlyweds?
The Belmont Family
August Belmont, financier and King of 5th Avenue banking – is known these days for the Belmont Horse Race, part of the triple crown.
Traveling to America as a representative of the wealthy Rothschilds banking house of Germany, August Belmont worked financial panics in a young America to his advantage, creating great wealth. His fiduciary skills and resourcefulness led to the moniker: “The King of Fifth Avenue”.
Mr. Belmont introduced many of societies ‘rules’ of etiquette into New York circles; proper attire, manners and dining etiquette. His Wife, Caroline (Perry) Belmont reigned as the queen of polite society. Personal tragedy caused Mrs. Belmont to retire from society but the rules of conduct had been laid out for all to follow.
The Set
Modern day celebrity is prevalent in the media today, but Celebrity and fame are nothing new. Before blogs, vlogs and television – fame was prevalent among the wealthy and the royals of society – just as much as it is today.
Historical Newport & New York City
AMERICAN GILT is based on the true story of the life of Sara Swan Whiting. Information gathered from family letters, newspaper, personal recollections and other reliable sources, reveal a story that carries the reader back in time to the Gilded Age of America’s wealthy socialites and the rules and confines that governed them.
Read the history
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