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Cornelius Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt was a self-made multi-millionaire who became one of the wealthiest Americans of the 19th century. In the 1860's, he shifted his focus to the railroad industry, where he built another empire and helped make railroad transportation more efficient. -
Andrew Carnegie
Andrew Carnegie was one of the most successful businessmen and most recognized philanthropists in history. His entrepreneurial ventures in America's steel industry earned him millions and he, in turn, made great contributions to social causes such as public libraries, education and international peace. -
J.P. Morgan
One of the most powerful bankers of his era, Morgan financed railroads and helped organize U.S. Steel, General Electric and other major corporations. Morgan used his influence to help stabilize American financial markets during several economic crises, including the panic of 1907. -
John D. Rockefeller
Rockefeller was the founder of the Standard Oil Company, became one of the world's wealthiest men and a major philanthropist. In 1870, he established Standard Oil, which by the early 1880's controlled some 90 percent of U.S. refineries and pipelines.
