# James Buchanan Duke > American businessman (1856-1925) **Wikidata**: [Q2916122](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2916122) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Buchanan_Duke) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/james-buchanan-duke ## Summary James Buchanan Duke was an American entrepreneur born in Durham on December 23, 1856 [1][2][3][4][5][6]. He was a citizen of the United States and worked as an entrepreneur during his career . His mother was Artelia Duke [7].Duke passed away in New York City on October 10, 1925 [1][2][3][4][5]. He was buried at Duke Chapel [4]. ## Summary James Buchanan Duke (1856–1925) was an American businessman known for his leadership in the tobacco and energy industries. He is recognized for his association with the American Tobacco Company and British American Tobacco, as well as the founding of Duke Energy. His legacy also includes the establishment of Duke University and ownership of Rough Point mansion. ## Biography - **Born:** 1856 - **Nationality:** American - **Education:** [Data not available in source] - **Known for:** Business leadership in the tobacco and energy sectors; founding Duke University - **Employer(s):** American Tobacco Company, British American Tobacco, Duke Energy - **Field(s):** Business, Tobacco Industry, Electric Power, Natural Gas ## Contributions James Buchanan Duke was instrumental in the creation and leadership of major industrial and educational institutions. He founded the **American Tobacco Company** on January 31, 1890, an American firm that operated until 1994. He was also a key figure in the establishment of **British American Tobacco** in September 1902, a multinational entity that grew to employ 55,000 people. In the energy sector, he founded **Duke Energy** on January 1, 1904, an electric power and natural gas holding company. Additionally, his contributions to higher education are marked by his association with **Duke University**, a private university in Durham, North Carolina, which employed 19,108 people as of 2020. ## FAQs **What companies did James Buchanan Duke found or lead?** James Buchanan Duke founded or led the American Tobacco Company (1890), British American Tobacco (1902), and Duke Energy (1904). **What is James Buchanan Duke's connection to Duke University?** He is the namesake and key figure associated with Duke University, a private university in Durham, North Carolina, which operates in the higher education industry. **Where did James Buchanan Duke live?** He owned and operated Rough Point, a mansion located in Newport, Rhode Island, United States. **When was James Buchanan Duke alive?** He lived from 1856 to 1925. ## Why They Matter James Buchanan Duke played a pivotal role in consolidating the tobacco industry globally through the American Tobacco Company and British American Tobacco, creating massive multinational corporations. His expansion into the energy sector with Duke Energy established a major utility provider in the United States. Furthermore, his endowment and association with Duke University left a lasting impact on higher education, shaping a significant private institution in North Carolina. ## Notable For - Founding the American Tobacco Company in 1890, headquartered in New York City. - Establishing British American Tobacco in 1902, a British multinational with 55,000 employees. - Founding Duke Energy in 1904, an American electric power and natural gas holding company. - Association with Duke University, a private higher education institution in Durham, NC. - Ownership of Rough Point, a mansion in Newport, Rhode Island. - Aliases include James B. Duke and James Duke. ## Body ### Tobacco Industry Ventures James Buchanan Duke was a dominant force in the tobacco sector, primarily through his leadership of the **American Tobacco Company**. This American firm was established on January 31, 1890, and operated continuously until 1994. Headquartered in New York City, the company was a significant player in the tobacco industry and is documented with 13 sitelinks. Expanding his influence internationally, Duke was associated with **British American Tobacco**. This British multinational tobacco company was founded in September 1902. Headquartered in London, United Kingdom, the company employed approximately 55,000 people. It operates within the tobacco industry and maintains a substantial digital presence with 37 sitelinks. ### Energy Sector Leadership Duke's business acumen extended into the utilities market through the founding of **Duke Energy**. This American electric power and natural gas holding company was established on January 1, 1904 (with a subsequent inception noted in 1997). Headquartered in Charlotte, United States, the company operates within the electric power and natural gas industries. The entity has a recorded 15 sitelinks. ### Educational and Personal Legacy A significant part of Duke's legacy is tied to **Duke University**, a private university located in Durham, North Carolina, United States. While the university's inception dates to 1838, it is inextricably linked to Duke, who served as a key benefactor or founder figure. The institution operates in the higher education sector and employed 19,108 people as of September 2020. It is widely recognized, evidenced by 74 sitelinks. In his personal life, James Buchanan Duke owned and operated **Rough Point**, a mansion situated in Newport, Rhode Island, United States. This property is noted for its location in the United States and has 5 sitelinks. Duke is also known by the aliases James B. Duke and James Duke. ## References 1. [Source](https://research.frick.org/directory/detail/1624) 2. Geni.com 3. Find a Grave 4. Virtual International Authority File 5. Integrated Authority File 6. Encyclopædia Britannica Online 7. SNAC 8. NCpedia 9. BnF authorities 10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013