Andrew Carnegie

Personal life

In an era in which financial capital was consolidated in New York City, Carnegie famously stayed aloof from the city, preferring to live near his factories in western Pennsylvania and at Skibo Castle, Scotland, which he bought and refurbished. However, he also built (in 1901) and resided in a townhouse on New York City's Fifth Avenue that later came to house Cooper-Hewitt's National Design Museum.

Related Topics:
New York City - Pennsylvania - Skibo Castle - Scotland - Fifth Avenue - Cooper-Hewitt - National Design Museum

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Carnegie married in 1887 and had one daughter. His brother, Thomas M. Carnegie, was also born in Dunfermline, Scotland, on October 2, 1843. He was associated with Andrew in his business enterprises, but died in Homewood, Pennsylvania, on October 19, 1886.

Related Topics:
1887 - Thomas M. Carnegie - October 2 - 1843 - Homewood, Pennsylvania - October 19 - 1886

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Carnegie was one of over 50 wealthy members of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club, which operated an exclusive and secretive retreat at a mountain lake near South Fork, Pennsylvania. Other prominent members included Andrew Mellon, Henry Clay Frick, Philander Knox, and Robert Pitcairn.

Related Topics:
South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club - South Fork, Pennsylvania - Andrew Mellon - Henry Clay Frick - Philander Knox - Robert Pitcairn

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In 1879, the club had purchased an old dam and abandoned reservoir. They created Lake Conemaugh, which was about two miles (3 km) long, approximately one mile (1.6 km) wide, and 60 feet (18 m) deep near the dam. The lake had a perimeter of 7 miles (11 km) and could hold 20 million tons of water. When the water was "up" in the spring, the lake covered over 400 acres (1.6 km²). The South Fork Dam was 72 feet (22 m) high and 931 feet (284 m) long. Between 1881 when the club was opened and 1889 this dam frequently sprang leaks and was patched, mostly with mud and straw. Passers-by sometimes commented about the likelihood of a failure, but no action was taken. The flawed dam held the waters of Lake Conemaugh back until disaster struck on May 31, 1889.

Related Topics:
Lake Conemaugh - South Fork Dam - May 31 - 1889

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After several days of unprecedented rainfall, the dam gave way. A torrent of water raced downstream, destroying several towns. When it reached Johnstown, over 2,200 people were killed, and there was $17 million in damage. The disaster became known as the Johnstown Flood.

Related Topics:
Johnstown - Johnstown Flood

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In the years following this tragic event, many people blamed the members of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club for the tragedy, as they had originally bought and repaired the dam to turn the area into a holiday retreat in the mountains. However, they failed to properly maintain the dam, and as a result, heavy rainfall on the eve of the disaster meant that the structure was not strong enough to hold the excess water. Despite the evidence to suggest that they were very much to blame, they were never held legally responsible for the disaster. In keeping with the times, the courts viewed the dam's failure as an Act of God, and no legal compensation was paid to the survivors of the flood.

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Individual members of the club did contribute substantially to the relief efforts. Along with about half of the club members, Henry Clay Frick donated thousands of dollars to the relief effort in Johnstown. After the flood, Andrew Carnegie, one of the club's better known members, built the town a new library. In return, he was received with a hero's welcome.

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Andrew Carnegie spent his last years as a philanthropist. By the time he died in Lenox, Massachusetts, Carnegie had given away $350,695,653. At his death, the last $30,000,000 was likewise given away to foundations, charities and to pensioners.

Related Topics:
Philanthropist - Lenox, Massachusetts

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He is interred in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Sleepy Hollow, New York.

Related Topics:
Sleepy Hollow Cemetery - Sleepy Hollow, New York

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