ADVERTISEMENT

Last Updated:
2024-02-12 07:00:40

Andrew Carnegie

Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist
Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist

Andrew Carnegie led the expansion of the American steel industry, became one of the richest Americans, and a leading philanthropist. He gave away around $350 million to charities and founded numerous institutions.

Community for Timeline Editors
Place where unique editors like you interact
1835-11-25
Birth of Andrew Carnegie

Andrew Carnegie was born on November 25, 1835, in Dunfermline, Scotland. This event marked the beginning of the life of one of the most influential industrialists and philanthropists in American history.

1835-11-25
Andrew Carnegie born

Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist, was born on November 25, 1835.

1848
Andrew Carnegie Emigrates to US

In 1848, Andrew Carnegie and his family emigrated from Scotland to the United States. This marked a significant turning point in Carnegie's life as he began his journey towards becoming one of the wealthiest and most generous individuals in history.

1848
Andrew Carnegie emigrates from Scotland to Pittsburgh

In 1848, Andrew Carnegie emigrated from Scotland to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He started as a factory worker in a textile mill and later became a successful entrepreneur and industrialist.

1849
Andrew works as messenger

In 1849, Andrew Carnegie started working as a messenger, which was a significant step in his early career.

1853
Andrew Carnegie takes job at Pennsylvania Railroad

In 1853, Andrew Carnegie starts working at the Pennsylvania Railroad, where he eventually becomes the personal telegrapher and assistant to Thomas Scott. He makes significant contributions to the railroad industry, such as keeping the telegraph office open 24 hours per day and implementing innovative practices after accidents.

1855
Carnegie Becomes Telegraph Messenger Boy

In 1855, Andrew Carnegie secured a job as a telegraph messenger boy for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, which introduced him to the world of telegraphy and communication technology.

1856
Carnegie puts down a strike

An informant informs Carnegie about an upcoming strike and provides him with a list of labor organizers. Carnegie shares the information with Thomas Scott, who then dismisses the organizers, resulting in the strike being thwarted before it even starts.

1858
Carnegie invests in sleeping cars

Carnegie borrows money from a local bank and invests $217.50 in the Woodruff Sleeping Car Company. After a couple of years, he starts earning an annual return of around $5000, which is more than three times his salary from the railroad.

1859
Carnegie promoted to superintendent

In 1859, Carnegie is promoted to the position of superintendent of the Pennsylvania Railroad's western division. This promotion grants him the responsibility of leading his own department and a yearly salary of $1500. He and his mother relocate to the affluent suburb of Homewood.

1861
Carnegie works for Union Army

In 1861, Carnegie assists Thomas Scott in supervising repairs of railroad lines after they were destroyed by Confederate mobs in Maryland. He also takes note of the damaged telegraph lines and stops to repair them. Upon reaching Washington, he collaborates with Scott to organize the railroad and telegraph lines to Virginia.

1862
Carnegie travels to Dunfermline

In 1862, Andrew Carnegie travels to Dunfermline.

1863
Carnegie's income is $42,000

In 1863, Andrew Carnegie's income amounts to $42,000, with about half of it coming from his investment in oil and the rest from various other sources.

1864
Carnegie is drafted into the Union Army

In 1864, Andrew Carnegie is drafted into the Union Army and decides to pay a replacement $850 to serve in his place, feeling that he has done his patriotic duty by supervising telegraph communications.

1865
Carnegie Leaves the Pennsylvania Railroad

In 1865, Andrew Carnegie left his position at the Pennsylvania Railroad, signaling a shift in his career towards the steel industry. This move eventually led to the establishment of the Carnegie Steel Company, a pivotal moment in industrial history.

1867
Founding of Keystone Telegraph Company

Carnegie establishes the Keystone Telegraph Company with several associates from the railroad, receiving permission from the Pennsylvania Railroad to string telegraph wire across the railroad's poles, which stretch across the entire state. This leads to a successful merger with the Pacific and Atlantic Telegraph Company, resulting in a significant return for Keystone's investors.

1868
Andrew Carnegie's Wealth Pledge

In 1868, while staying at the St Nicholas Hotel in New York, Andrew Carnegie wrote a pledge to himself to give away the surplus of his wealth.

1870
Carnegie co-founds the Keystone Bridge Company

Andrew Carnegie co-founds the Keystone Bridge Company, which specializes in manufacturing steel bridges, contributing to the development of infrastructure in the United States.

1872
Carnegie sees Bessemer's steel plants

During a visit to England in 1872, Andrew Carnegie tours Henry Bessemer's steel plants. This visit leads Carnegie to recognize the commercial potential of steel and prompts him to return to America with plans to expand his steel business.

1873
Carnegie establishes the J. Edgar Thomson Steel Works, a major steel manufacturing facility

In 1873, Carnegie established the J. Edgar Thomson Steel Works, a major steel manufacturing facility. This marked a significant milestone in his contributions to the steel industry, further solidifying his position as a key figure in the development of steel manufacturing.

1875
Carnegie opens his first steel plant

In 1875, Andrew Carnegie opens his first steel plant, the Edgar Thomson Works, in Braddock, Pennsylvania, marking the beginning of his significant contributions to the steel industry.

1880
Carnegie begins his courtship of Louise Whitfield

In 1880, Andrew Carnegie begins his courtship of Louise Whitfield, which eventually leads to their marriage.

1881
Carnegie returns to Dunfermline with his mother

In 1881, Andrew Carnegie returns to Dunfermline, Scotland, accompanied by his mother. During this visit, he donates a library to the town, which becomes his first philanthropic contribution outside of the United States.

1883
Carnegie buys the Homestead Works

In 1883, Andrew Carnegie purchases the Homestead Works, which is a rival mill in Pennsylvania.

1886
Carnegie's mother and brother die

While Andrew Carnegie is ill with typhoid, he suffers a relapse upon learning of his brother's death. A month later, his mother dies of pneumonia. To keep Margaret Carnegie's death a secret from her son, her coffin is lowered out of her bedroom window.

1887
Carnegie and Frick disagree over a striking union

In 1887, Andrew Carnegie and Henry Frick have a disagreement over a striking union.

1889
Publication of 'The Gospel of Wealth'

Andrew Carnegie releases 'The Gospel of Wealth,' advocating that the wealthy have a moral duty to act as caretakers for society.

1889-06
The Gospel of Wealth

Andrew Carnegie's famous article, 'Wealth,' published in the June 1889 issue of the North American Review, introduced the concept of the Gospel of Wealth. It emphasized the responsibility of the wealthy to use their surplus wealth for the betterment of society through philanthropy.

1892-07
Homestead Strike

The union contract at Homestead expired, leading to a strike organized by the workers. The situation escalated when the workers were locked out, and a stand-off ensued between the Pinkerton agents hired by Frick and the workers. The violent confrontation resulted in injuries and marked the end of Carnegie's image as a friend of the worker.

1897
Birth of Margaret Carnegie

Margaret Carnegie, the daughter of Andrew Carnegie, was born in 1897.

1898
Carnegie tries to gain independence for the Philippines

After the United States captures the Philippines from Spain and decides to pay Spain $20 million to purchase the islands, Andrew Carnegie sees this move as imperialist and offers the islands $20 million to purchase their independence.

1899
Formation of Carnegie Steel

In 1899, Andrew Carnegie organizes several of his steel companies into Carnegie Steel, marking a significant expansion of his business into the production of finished products, directly competing with J.P. Morgan's interests.

1900
Legal Dispute with Frick

Andrew Carnegie attempts to acquire coke at a reduced price and take over Henry Frick's interest in Carnegie Steel, leading to a legal battle where Frick sues for the market value of his coke, ultimately settled out-of-court.

1901-03
Sale of Carnegie Steel Co.

In March 1901, Andrew Carnegie sold his interests in the Carnegie Steel Co. for over $250 million, marking a significant event in the history of the steel industry and Carnegie's career as an industrialist.

1902
Carnegie Institution established

Carnegie founds the Carnegie Institution in 1902 to provide research support for American colleges and universities.

1904
Carnegie publishes “The Gospel of Wealth”

Andrew Carnegie publishes “The Gospel of Wealth,” an influential essay outlining his philosophy on wealth and philanthropy, leaving a lasting impact on economic and social thought.

1905
Establishment of Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching

In 1905, Andrew Carnegie established the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, demonstrating his commitment to education and philanthropy. This foundation has had a lasting impact on the advancement of teaching and learning.

1911
Establishment of Carnegie Corporation

Andrew Carnegie establishes the Carnegie Corporation with his remaining money of about $125,000,000. The corporation is intended to aid colleges, universities, technical schools, and scientific research. This is the last philanthropic trust Carnegie creates, as he has given away 90% of his fortune.

1916
Purchase of Shadowbrook Estate

Carnegie buys Shadowbrook, an estate in Massachusetts.

1919-08-11
Death of Andrew Carnegie

Andrew Carnegie passed away on August 11, 1919, in Lenox, Massachusetts, at the age of 84. At the time of his death, he had given away the majority of his vast fortune, leaving a lasting legacy of philanthropy and educational contributions.

1937
The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace is established

The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace is established, reflecting Andrew Carnegie's enduring legacy in promoting global peace and diplomacy.

1989
Andrew Carnegie

Joseph Frazier Wall authored a book about Andrew Carnegie in 1989, offering insights into the life and impact of the industrialist.

2012
The Carnegie Boys: The Lieutenants of Andrew Carnegie that Changed America

A book titled 'The Carnegie Boys: The Lieutenants of Andrew Carnegie that Changed America' was published in 2012, exploring the impact of Andrew Carnegie's associates on the United States.

2024-03-11
Opening of Carnegie Birthplace Museum

The Carnegie Birthplace Museum is scheduled to open on March 11, 2024, welcoming visitors for events, group visits, education, and research visits. The museum will operate daily from 11am to 4pm, with the last entry at 3:20pm.

End of the Timeline
Andrew Carnegie

Information

Andrew Carnegie

Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist
Last Updated:

🫵Contribute to this content!
Your input benefits people around the world
See something to add or edit? Simply click the edit button below to make a difference! All you need is a quick sign in.
💬Join our discord community!
Connect and collaborate
Become part of our vibrant community! Share your thoughts, ask questions, and connect with other passionate editors.
Join Discord

Event

Last Updated:

🫵Contribute to this content!
Your input benefits people around the world
See something to add or edit? Simply click the edit button below to make a difference! All you need is a quick sign in.
💬Join our discord community!
Connect and collaborate
Become part of our vibrant community! Share your thoughts, ask questions, and connect with other passionate editors.
Join Discord
Become an Editor of Timeline Wiki
Become an Editor of
Timeline Wiki
USD $0 for creating and editing infinite number of timelines after sign up.