Calexico Carnegie Library
a.k.a. Calexico Public Library
420 Heber Ave., Calexico, CA Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2005.
1881: Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist, begins his philanthropic efforts in library construction by donating funds to build the Braddock Library in Pennsylvania.
1883: The first "Carnegie Library" is officially established in Dunfermline, Scotland, Carnegie's birthplace. This library serves as a model for future Carnegie Libraries.
1886: Carnegie writes an article titled "Wealth," where he articulates his belief in philanthropy and the responsibility of the wealthy to give back to society.
1889: The Carnegie Corporation of New York is established with the aim of funding the construction of libraries across the United States and other English-speaking countries.
1893: The first Carnegie Library in the United States, the Carnegie Library of Braddock in Pennsylvania, is opened to the public.
Late 1890s to early 1900s: The construction of Carnegie Libraries spreads rapidly throughout the United States and other parts of the English-speaking world, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. The libraries are often designed by prominent architects and feature diverse architectural styles.
1901: The Carnegie Corporation of New York is founded as a philanthropic organization to manage and administer Andrew Carnegie's charitable projects, including the library program.
1902: Carnegie makes a significant endowment, donating $10 million to establish the Carnegie Institute in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Institute includes a library, an art gallery, and a natural history museum.
1917: Andrew Carnegie dies, leaving a lasting legacy of philanthropy, including the establishment of thousands of libraries around the world.
1920s-1930s: The construction of Carnegie Libraries gradually slows down, and the focus shifts to maintaining and updating existing libraries to meet changing community needs.
Late 20th century to present: Many Carnegie Libraries undergo renovations, expansions, or repurposing to adapt to modern library services and technological advancements. Some continue to operate as public libraries, while others have been transformed into cultural centers, museums, community spaces, or educational institutions.
The Carnegie Libraries have left an indelible mark on the accessibility of knowledge and education. They remain a testament to Andrew Carnegie's belief in the power of libraries to uplift communities and provide opportunities for personal and intellectual growth.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The state's name is derived from a novel called "Las Sergas de Esplandián," which was published in 1510. The book, written by Garci Rodríguez de Montalvo, tells the story of a mythical island called California that is ruled by Queen Calafia and is said to be filled with gold and precious stones.
In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the area, claiming the land for the Spanish Empire. However, it wasn't until the 18th century that Spanish missions were established in Imperial County, bringing Catholicism and European influence to the region.
In the mid-19th century, Imperial County was part of the Mexican territory of Alta California. Following the Mexican-American War in the late 1840s, the region fell under American control and became part of the newly established state of California.
The 20th century saw significant developments in Imperial County's history. The completion of the All-American Canal in 1940 transformed the area into a major agricultural center, facilitating irrigation and allowing for the cultivation of crops such as cotton, vegetables, and citrus fruits. The county's economy also grew with the establishment of military bases during World War II, bringing jobs and prosperity to the region.
Today, Imperial County continues to thrive economically, with agriculture remaining a vital industry. The county is also known for its geothermal energy production, as it has vast geothermal resources. Its unique location near the Mexican border also brings a cultural richness and diversity to the area. Imperial County stands as a testament to the region's resilience and adaptability over centuries of change.
Imperial County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Imperial County, California.
- 1540: Spanish explorers enter the area that would later become Imperial County
- 1774: Spanish expedition explores the Colorado River and establishes a mission near present-day Ocotillo
- 1821: Mexico gains independence from Spain, and the region becomes part of Mexico
- 1848: Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends the Mexican-American War, and the region becomes part of the United States
- 1893: The Southern Pacific Railroad reaches the area, leading to increased settlement and agriculture
- 1901: The county of Imperial is established
- 1905: The Imperial Canal is completed, providing water for irrigation and transforming the region into an agricultural hub
- 1929: The Salton Sea is accidentally created due to flooding from the Colorado River
- 1930s: The Great Depression brings economic challenges to the county
- 1942: The U.S. government establishes the Naval Air Facility El Centro as a training base during World War II
- 1950s-1960s: The county experiences a population boom due to agricultural expansion and military presence
- 1980: Imperial Irrigation District signs an agreement to transfer water to San Diego, sparking controversy over water rights
- 1990s-2000s: The county continues to grow, but faces challenges such as water scarcity and agricultural regulations