Pocatello Carnegie Library
a.k.a. Bannock County Historical Society Museum
105 S. Garfield Ave., Pocatello, ID Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
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 first permanent settlement in the area was established in 1864 when the Oregon Short Line Railroad was constructed through present-day Pocatello. This led to increased immigration and the establishment of small farming and mining communities. In 1878, Bannock County was officially created, named after the Bannock Native American tribe.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Bannock County experienced significant growth and development. The arrival of the Utah and Northern Railroad in 1879 further stimulated economic growth, attracting businesses and industries to the area. Agriculture, including cattle and sheep ranching as well as wheat and potato farming, became major industries in the county. The establishment of several mining towns, such as Gibsonville and Arimo, fueled the region's economy as well.
The growth of Bannock County was also influenced by the establishment of educational institutions. In 1901, the Idaho Technical Institute (now known as Idaho State University) was founded in Pocatello, becoming an important center of education and research. The county's population continued to increase throughout the 20th century, leading to the expansion of infrastructure and services.
Today, Bannock County remains a thriving area with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, education, and healthcare. The county's history is celebrated through various historical sites and museums. The ongoing growth and development in Bannock County are a testament to its resilient past and promising future.
Bannock County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Bannock County, Idaho.
- 1834: First Euro-American explorers, led by Nathaniel Jarvis Wyeth, passed through the area
- 1843: The Oregon Trail was established, bringing more settlers to the region
- 1863: Bannock County was officially established
- 1878: The town of Pocatello was founded and quickly became the county seat
- 1882: The first railroad arrived in Pocatello, boosting the town's growth
- 1890: Idaho became the 43rd state of the United States
- 1917: The newly constructed Fort Hall Indian Reservation opened within Bannock County
- 1930s: The Great Depression impacted the local economy, but federal projects like the Pocatello Air Base helped stimulate growth
- 1963: The Fort Hall Casino was established, bringing economic opportunities to the area
- 1990s: Pocatello experienced urban renewal efforts and diversification of its economy