Hanford Carnegie Library
a.k.a. Hanford Carnegie Museum, Inc.
109 E. 8th St., Hanford, CA Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1981.
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.
In 1965, the Watts Riots erupted in Los Angeles after a police officer arrested a Black man for drunk driving. The six-day riot resulted in 34 deaths, over 1,000 injuries, and $40 million in property damage. The Watts Riots were a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement and helped to spark a nationwide conversation about race relations.
The area experienced a significant change with the arrival of American settlers during the California Gold Rush of the 1840s and 1850s. Many pioneers settled in the fertile San Joaquin Valley, including the future Kings County. In 1852, the California State Legislature created Kings County, naming it after the Kings River that flows through the region.
In its early years, Kings County primarily relied on agriculture as its main industry. The county's fertile land was ideal for growing crops such as cotton, grapes, and various fruits. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further facilitated the transportation of goods, boosting the agricultural economy.
Over the years, Kings County has grown and diversified its industries. In addition to agriculture, the county has expanded into other sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Today, Kings County is known for its agricultural productivity, including farms producing crops like cotton, dairy products, nuts, and citrus fruits. The county also hosts a number of military facilities and is home to the Naval Air Station Lemoore, contributing to its economic development.
Kings County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Kings County, California.
- 1800s: The area that would eventually become Kings County was inhabited by the Yokuts Native American tribe.
- 1850s: The California Gold Rush led to an influx of settlers in the region.
- 1874: Kings County was officially established, named after the Kings River.
- 1893: Hanford became the county seat of Kings County.
- Early 1900s: Agriculture became the primary industry in the county, with crops like cotton, wheat, and citrus being grown.
- 1933: The Naval Air Station Lemoore was established in Kings County, becoming an important military installation.
- 1961: The Kettleman Hills hazardous waste facility was opened, sparking concerns about environmental and public health issues.
- 1983: The Hanford Nuclear Reservation, a Cold War-era nuclear production complex, was decommissioned.
- Today: Kings County continues to be a major agricultural region, known for its production of dairy products, fruits, nuts, and vegetables.