Rockefellers

Overview

The Rockefeller family is one of the wealthiest families in American history. They’re considered greatly influential in business, art, architecture, and philanthropy.

John D. Rockefeller, born in 1839 into relatively modest circumstances, became the world’s first billionaire in 1916 after creating the first major business trust. By some accounts, he is still the richest man to have ever lived.

The Rockefellers also created the Standard Oil Company, which came to define monopolistic business practices in the US. They've also financed American institutions such as New York City's Rockefeller Center, Colonial Williamsburg, and more.

Today, the Rockefeller family has a cumulative net worth of $10.3B. Their modern-day influence mostly involves charitable giving to causes like higher education, the environment, and national parks. Their moneyed reputation has outlasted John D. Rockefeller himself: Taylor Swift, for instance, recently referenced the Standard Oil fortune in a popular song.

1440 Findings

Hours of research by our editors, distilled into minutes of clarity.

John D. Rockefeller’s father had a nefarious past
William A. Rockefeller Sr. earned his money via various schemes that included pretending to be a doctor to sell “herbal medicines” and posing as a deaf person to peddle for money.
Found via History Open in new tab
The winding journey from Standard Oil to the modern oil industry
Standard Oil’s impact on the business world can be clearly seen today in oil giants like Exxon and Chevron. But the journey from the Rockefellers’ trust to the modern firms was a windy road. After the Supreme Court ordered Standard Oil’s break up, the first step saw it separate into many state-based companies like Standard Oil of California and the Ohio Oil Company. Visualize it here.
Found via Visual Capitalist Open in new tab

Tour the UN building in NYC with architect Michael Wyetzner
The modernist building was meant to stand out among the New York skyline. It’s three primary buildings are distinct and were supported by millions in donations from philanthropists families like the Rockefellers.
Found via Architectural Digest Open in new tab
Henry Ford built a plastic car from soybeans in 1941
To pursue his goal of marrying industry with agriculture, among other reasons, the automobile giant oversaw the design and creation of a vehicle with 12 panels made from plastic. At 2,000 pounds, the car was much lighter than all-steel ones, but production stopped during World War II.
Found via The Henry Ford Open in new tab

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Rockefellers

Overview

1440 Findings

John D. Rockefeller’s father had a nefarious past

The winding journey from Standard Oil to the modern oil industry

Tour the UN building in NYC with architect Michael Wyetzner

Henry Ford built a plastic car from soybeans in 1941

Explore Business & Finance

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