James Buchanan Duke

James Buchanan Duke was a prominent American industrialist and philanthropist in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He built a vast enterprise in the energy and tobacco industries, most notably founding the American Tobacco Company. Duke pioneered the use of modern business practices and mass production, fueling the growth of the American economy. His wealth allowed him to donate significant funds to educational and cultural institutions, including establishing Duke University in North Carolina. Overall, Duke played a key role in shaping American industry and philanthropy during his era.