National Register Listing

Carnegie Library of Moultrie

39 N. Main St., Moultrie, GA
Local significance of the building:
Education; Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
  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.

education architecture social history library
The city of Savannah, Georgia was the first planned city in America. It was laid out in a grid pattern with squares for public use, and this design was later copied by other cities throughout the country.
Georgia random facts
Colquitt County, Georgia, has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Creek and Cherokee. In the 1820s, white settlers began to arrive in the region, establishing farms and plantations. The county was officially created in 1856 and named after Walter Terry Colquitt, a U.S. Senator from Georgia.

During the American Civil War, Colquitt County saw its fair share of conflict. Many local men joined the Confederate Army and fought in several major battles, including the Battle of Chickamauga and the Battle of Atlanta. The war brought significant hardships to the area, including economic downturn and loss of life.

Following the war, Colquitt County underwent a period of agricultural growth. Cotton became the dominant crop, and the county became known for its large plantations and prosperous farming industry. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further fueled the region's economic development, enabling the transportation of goods and increasing trade.

In the 20th century, Colquitt County experienced various changes and advancements. The construction of highways and improved infrastructure opened up the county to new opportunities. Education also played a significant role, with the establishment of several schools and the founding of what is now known as Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Today, Colquitt County continues to thrive, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and services.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Colquitt County, Georgia.

  • 1825 - Colquitt County established as a land lot county in Georgia.
  • 1830 - First settlers arrive in the area.
  • 1834 - Patten Hotel, the first hotel in Moultrie, is built.
  • 1879 - The county seat is moved from Berlin to Moultrie.
  • 1915 - The first hospital, Moultrie Hospital, is established.
  • 1941 - The first airfield, Spence Field, is opened near Moultrie.
  • 1968 - The first black woman, Lottie Jenkins, is elected to the Moultrie City Council.
  • 1983 - Colquitt County wins its first football state championship in the Georgia Dome.
  • 1997 - Colquitt County High School wins its second football state championship.