On this episode of Our American Stories, John D. Rockefeller had a highly unusual childhood. His father, known as “Devil Bill,” was a smooth-talking snake oil salesman, while his mother was a devout and disciplined Christian who taught John to work hard, save diligently, and give generously to charity. Often demonized as a so-called Robber Baron, Rockefeller reshaped America by building an industry around the world’s most important resource: oil. Sharing the story is Burt Folsom, author of The Myth of the Robber Barons—special thanks to Young America’s Foundation for providing this audio.

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