Andrew Carnegie's First Job in America

Andrew Carnegie's journey in America began when he and his family arrived in Allegheny, seeking better opportunities. His father faced challenges in selling his products, which led to both father and son accepting positions at Anchor Cotton Mills, a facility owned by Scottish immigrants. Carnegie's first role was as a bobbin boy, a position that required him to change spools of thread in a cotton mill. This job was demanding, requiring him to work 12 hours a day, six days a week. His initial wage was $1.20 per week, a modest sum that reflected the labor conditions of the time. This experience in the cotton mill not only introduced Carnegie to the working world but also instilled in him a strong work ethic and an understanding of the industrial environment that would later influence his business practices and philanthropic efforts. The skills and lessons learned during these early years would play a crucial role in shaping his future as a leading figure in the steel industry and a prominent philanthropist.