National Register Listing

Carnegie Library

a.k.a. Carnegie Public Library;5RN513

120 Jefferson St., Monte Vista, CO
Local significance of the building:
Social History; Community Planning And Development

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1995.
  A brief timeline of the history of Carnegie Libraries

  • 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.

social history community planning and development library
Mesa Verde National Park, located in southwest Colorado, is home to some of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in the world. These ancient structures were built by the Ancestral Puebloans over 700 years ago and provide a glimpse into the lives of these ancient people.
Colorado random facts
Rio Grande County, located in Colorado, has a rich and diverse history that dates back centuries. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ute and Apache, who were hunter-gatherers and utilized the fertile land for cultivation. The Spanish explorers arrived in the area in the 16th century, followed by French fur trappers in the 18th century, establishing trade relations with the local Native American populations.

In the mid-19th century, the Rio Grande County area experienced an influx of miners during the Colorado Gold Rush. The discovery of gold and silver in the San Juan Mountains attracted miners from all over the country, leading to the establishment of several mining towns, including Del Norte, which would eventually become the county seat. The mining industry brought prosperity to the region, attracting settlers and establishing the foundation for future growth.

In 1874, Rio Grande County was officially established, with Del Norte serving as its county seat. The county was named after the Rio Grande River, which flows through the region, providing essential water resources for agriculture, ranching, and other industries. The county played a significant role in the development of Colorado's agricultural industry, with the establishment of large-scale ranches and the cultivation of crops such as potatoes and barley.

Throughout the 20th century, Rio Grande County experienced both periods of growth and challenges. The decline of the mining industry and the Great Depression had a significant impact on the local economy. However, the county adapted and diversified its industries, focusing on agriculture and tourism. Today, Rio Grande County is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreational activities, and rich cultural heritage, attracting visitors from around the world.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Rio Grande County, Colorado.

  • 1874 - Rio Grande County is established as one of the original counties of the Colorado Territory.
  • 1890 - Agriculture, specifically potato farming, becomes a major industry in the county.
  • 1921 - The City of Del Norte is officially incorporated.
  • 1920s-1930s - The Great Depression brings difficult economic times to Rio Grande County.
  • 1960s-1970s - Tourism and outdoor recreational activities, such as hunting and fishing, become increasingly popular.
  • 1980s - The county sees a decline in mining and a shift towards a more diversified economy.
  • 1990s - Environmental conservation efforts and preservation of natural resources gain attention in the county.
  • 2010 - The county celebrates its 140th anniversary since its establishment.