James Buchanan Duke was an American tobacco and electric power magnate born on December 23, 1856, in Durham, North Carolina. He played a significant role in the development of the American tobacco industry and founded the American Tobacco Company in 1890, which became a major player in the market. Duke's innovations in marketing and production helped popularize cigarette smoking in the United States. In addition to his contributions to tobacco, Duke was also a philanthropist. He established the Duke Endowment in 1924, which supports education, health care, and religion in the Carolinas. His legacy continues through Duke University, named in honor of his family, which has become a prominent institution in higher education.