1892
The Homestead Strike occurs.
A union contract at Homestead expires; on vacation in Europe, Carnegie directs Frick to handle the situation. The workers have been organizing a strike, and when they are locked out, the strike proceeds. Frick has prepared for a stand-off by hiring Pinkerton agents. The New York Times writes, "It is evident there is no `bluffing' at Homestead. The fight there is to be to the death." The Pinkertons arrive and shoot it out with workers for about twelve hours. Although the Pinkertons surrender, they are forced to pass through a crowd of hundreds of workers, who beat them mercilessly, severely injuring twenty of them. The state militia is sent in to reclaim the mill and strikebreakers are hired to re-open it. This incident marks the end of Carnegie's image as a friend of the worker.

1897
Carnegie purchases Skibo Castle in Scotland.
At Louise Carnegie's request, Andrew searches for a home in Scotland. His only requirements for the new estate are that it include a view of the sea, a waterfall, and a trout stream. He settles for Skibo Castle, which is in ruins and does not have a waterfall, for 85,000 pounds.

1899
Tensions rise between Carnegie and Frick.
Carnegie organizes several of his steel companies into Carnegie Steel. Carnegie asks Frick to resign as chairman of the board. Questions remain about how much the Frick Company will charge Carnegie for coke.