As a nation claimed its destiny, the dynasty claimed its fortune.With riches amassed since the days when the family called their city New Amsterdam, the de Kuypers took their place at the pinnacle of the gilded age. In a century when the nation pushed westward, was torn by Civil War, and was ruled by Wall Street robber barons, the de Kuypers became giants of shipping and builders of the new railroads.Their men were captains of industry, their women and their scandals the talk of society. And as their influence reached from the Pacific to Europe, their dreams and vision became the American destiny.