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 United States during 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 educational and cultural institutions. He established the Carnegie Corporation of New York and funded libraries, universities, and research organizations, leaving a lasting legacy in the fields of education and public service.