National Register Listing

Anthony Public Carnegie Library

104 N. Springfield, Anthony, KS
Local significance of the building:
Education; Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
  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 first successful airplane flight west of the Mississippi River took place in Kansas in 1910, when Clyde Cessna flew his plane for the first time in Wichita.
Kansas random facts
Harper County, located in southern Kansas, has a rich history that dates back to the mid-1800s. The area was first inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Kansa and Osage, who relied on the abundant wildlife and fertile land for their sustenance. However, as European settlers began to expand westward, conflicts arose, leading to the displacement of the native populations.

In 1873, Harper County was officially established, named after the governor of Kansas at the time, Marion Harper. The region quickly became an important hub for trade and agriculture, thanks to its prime location along the Chisholm Trail. Cattle drives into Texas and neighboring states brought prosperity to the area, attracting more settlers to the growing communities within the county.

The late 19th century saw the arrival of railroads, which further boosted Harper County's economic development. The construction of the Santa Fe Railroad in the 1880s created new opportunities for trade and transportation, allowing goods and people to easily flow in and out of the county. This led to the establishment of additional towns, such as Anthony and Harper, which continued to thrive as agricultural centers.

Throughout the 20th century, Harper County faced its share of challenges, including the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. However, the resilient spirit of the residents allowed them to overcome these difficulties and adapt to changing circumstances. Today, Harper County remains an important agricultural area, with farming and ranching still playing a vital role in the local economy. The county also offers various recreational opportunities, such as Lake Harper and the Flinthills Nature Trail, attracting visitors and contributing to its continued growth and prosperity.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Harper County, Kansas.

  • 1803: The area that would become Harper County is acquired as part of the Louisiana Purchase.
  • 1867: The Medicine Lodge Treaty is signed, allowing settlement in the area.
  • 1873: Harper County is officially organized.
  • 1887: The railroad reaches Harper County, enhancing transportation and economic opportunities.
  • 1900s: Agriculture becomes the primary industry, with farming and ranching playing a significant role in the county's economy.
  • 1920s: Oil is discovered in Harper County, leading to a boom in the oil industry and economic growth.
  • 1930s: The Dust Bowl devastates the area, causing agricultural hardships and population declines.
  • 1960s: Lake City Army Ammunition Plant is established, providing employment opportunities in the county.
  • Today: Harper County continues to be a center for agriculture, oil production, and the manufacturing industry.