The Carnegie Family is best known for its significant contributions to American industry and philanthropy. The most prominent member, Andrew Carnegie, was a Scottish-American industrialist who led the expansion of the steel industry in the late 19th century. He founded the Carnegie Steel Company, which became one of the largest and most profitable companies of its time. In addition to his business success, Andrew Carnegie was a major philanthropist, donating much of his wealth to various causes. He established numerous institutions, including Carnegie Mellon University and public libraries across the United States, reflecting his belief in the importance of education and self-improvement.