Columbus Public Carnegie Library
205 N. Kansas, Columbus, KS Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
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 successful oil well west of the Mississippi was drilled in 1860 in Neodesha, Kansas, which led to the state becoming a major oil producer in the early 20th century.
The county was officially established on August 25, 1855, as one of the original 33 counties of the Kansas Territory. Its early economy was based on agriculture, with settlers primarily engaging in farming, particularly growing corn and livestock. However, the discovery of valuable minerals, including lead and zinc, in the late 1800s brought a significant economic boom to the region. This led to the establishment of mining towns like Weir City, Baxter Springs, and Galena, which became major hubs of mining activity.
Cherokee County also played a role in the Civil War, as it was located on the Missouri-Kansas border. Baxter Springs, in particular, experienced multiple skirmishes and was a strategic location for both Union and Confederate troops. The Battle of Baxter Springs in 1863 was a significant event, during which Union forces successfully defended the town against Confederate guerrilla fighters.
In the 20th century, the mining industry declined, leading to a diversification of the economy. The county focused on agriculture, manufacturing, and later, tourism. Today, Cherokee County is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, such as the scenic Spring River and the expansive Crawford State Park, which offers various outdoor recreational activities. The county also preserves its rich heritage through museums and historical sites, allowing visitors to explore the history and culture of the area.
Cherokee County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Cherokee County, Kansas.
- 1835 - Cherokee Nation established by Treaty of New Echota
- 1837 - Land in present-day Kansas assigned to Cherokee Nation
- 1849 - Treaty of Park Hill cedes Cherokee land to the United States
- 1854 - Kansas Territory established
- 1855 - Organization of Crawford County, which included present-day Cherokee County
- 1860 - Creation of Cherokee County from Crawford County
- 1862 - Cherokee County experiences violence during the Civil War
- 1872 - Completion of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railway through Cherokee County
- 1903 - Picher mining field discovery leads to a population boom
- 1926 - Construction of Route 66, a major highway, through the county
- 1967 - The city of Galena becomes known for its "Cars on the Route" attraction
- Today, Cherokee County is a thriving area with a rich history and diverse community