John Rockefeller

John D. Rockefeller was one of the most influential businessmen in American history and is widely regarded as the nation’s first billionaire. Born in 1839 in New York, Rockefeller, and building his fortune in Cleveland, Ohio, rose from modest beginnings to build an unprecedented fortune during the Industrial Revolution, reshaping the modern business world in the process.

Rockefeller began his career in Cleveland, Ohio, where he entered the oil refining business in the 1860s. Known for his discipline, efficiency, and strategic thinking, he quickly outperformed competitors. His business philosophy emphasized cost control, organization, and long-term planning—principles that helped him dominate the rapidly growing petroleum industry.

By the late 19th century, Rockefeller had amassed extraordinary wealth and influence. His business practices sparked national debate over monopolies and corporate power, contributing to the development of U.S. antitrust laws. Despite the controversy surrounding his methods, Rockefeller’s impact on American industry was profound and lasting.

Later in life, Rockefeller devoted himself to philanthropy. He donated hundreds of millions of dollars to causes such as education, medical research, and public health. His charitable efforts helped establish major institutions and set the standard for modern large-scale philanthropy.

John D. Rockefeller died in 1937 at the age of 97, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape business, law, and philanthropy in the United States.