Burt Folsom

About the Author

Burt Folsom is a distinguished historian and professor emeritus of history at Hillsdale College, where he has taught for over three decades, specializing in American economic and political history. A prolific author and sought-after lecturer, Folsom challenges conventional narratives about the nation's industrial pioneers, emphasizing their innovative contributions to America's prosperity. His seminal work, The Myth of the Robber Barons: A New Look at the Rise of Big Business in America, debunks longstanding myths by highlighting the positive impacts of entrepreneurs like John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie on economic growth and philanthropy. Folsom's research draws on extensive archival sources to present a fresh perspective on the Gilded Age, influencing scholars and policymakers alike. With a Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh, he continues to advocate for free-market principles through his writings and public engagements.