Born November 9: Stanford White

American architect Stanford White was born on November 9, 1853. His Italian Renaissance Revival buildings and Shingle Style homes made Stanford White one of the most prominent architects of the Gilded Age.

In addition to elaborate summer homes for the Vanderbilts and other wealthy families, Stanford White designed the New York Herald Building, Madison Square Garden, and New York's Washington Square Park Arch.

Like his buildings, Stanford White's personal life was lavish. A red velvet swing hung from the gold leaf ceiling in his Madison Square Garden apartment where he entertained many beautiful young women. Eventually, Stanford White was shot in Madison Square Garden; he died in the building he created.