Andrew Carnegie 1835–1919
Entrepreneur and Philanthropist
Andrew Carnegie made his fortune in the steel industry. He began by buying and building steel mills in Pennsylvania. Then, he bought the coal companies, iron mines, and railroads that supplied his steel mills. By 1900, Carnegie was one of the richest people in the United States.
Carnegie knew what it was like to be poor, though. His family immigrated to Pennsylvania from Scotland. Carnegie started working in a cotton factory at the age of 12. He could not go to school, but he was eager to learn. He borrowed books from a local businessman who let workers use his private library. He read a lot and worked hard to get ahead.
After Carnegie made his millions, he decided to give most of his money away to help others. He paid for nearly 3,000 free public libraries. He paid for schools and universities, medical clinics, concert halls, parks, and public swimming pools. By the time he died, Andrew Carnegie had given away nine-tenths of his fortune.
Critical Thinking
Why do you think Carnegie decided to give away his money?