Established in 1904 in PA - Founded in the name of Andrew Carnegie. Mr. Carnegie established the Carnegie Steel Company, which launched the steel industry in Pittsburgh, PA. During his lifetime, he personally donated over $300 million in gifts, including over $56 million for more than 2,500 municipal library buildings throughout the English-speaking world. Carnegie had long held the idea that ordinary citizens who perform extraordinary acts of heroism should be recognized for their deeds. After a massive explosion in 1904 in a coal mine that claimed 181 lives, including two rescuers, Carnegie set aside $5 million to recognize "civilization's heroes" and to provide financial assistance for those disabled and the dependents of those killed helping others.