National Register Listing

Lincoln Carnegie Library

203 S. Third, Lincoln, 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 town of Greensburg, Kansas was destroyed by an EF5 tornado in 2007, and has since rebuilt as a model "green town" using eco-friendly technologies and materials.
Kansas random facts
Lincoln County, Kansas, has a rich and diverse history that spans over a century. Its story begins in the mid-19th century when European settlers started arriving in the area, attracted by the lush grasslands and fertile soil. In 1867, the county was officially established and named after President Abraham Lincoln. The settlement of Lincoln Center became the county seat, and the town began to grow as more settlers moved in.

One significant event in Lincoln County's history is the establishment of the Butterfield Overland Dispatch stagecoach route in 1865. The route brought much-needed transportation and communication to the area, connecting Lincoln Center with other towns and cities. This had a significant impact on the county's development, encouraging trade and fostering economic growth.

One of the county's defining moments occurred in 1868 when a clash between settlers and Indigenous tribes erupted, known as the Battle of Kidder Massacre. This event left a lasting impact on the community and led to increased tensions between settlers and Native Americans in the area, further pushing the indigenous populations off their lands.

During the late 19th century, Lincoln County continued to grow, attracting more settlers interested in farming and ranching. The county's fertile soil and access to water sources allowed for successful agricultural endeavors, particularly in wheat and cattle farming. Towns like Sylvan Grove and Beverly flourished, supported by the emerging rail networks that connected them with other cities and markets.

Today, Lincoln County remains a rural community with a strong agricultural base. It continues to celebrate its history through various cultural events and festivals, keeping alive the stories and traditions of its pioneers. The county's picturesque landscapes, historical sites, and welcoming community make it an attractive place for visitors and a home for those seeking a small-town, close-knit community.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Lincoln County, Kansas.

  • 1867 - Lincoln County was established on February 26
  • 1868 - First county seat was established in Lincoln Center
  • 1870 - Second county seat was established in New Cambria
  • 1872 - Third county seat was established in Lincoln Center again
  • 1873 - Union Pacific Railroad reached Lincoln County, boosting its growth
  • 1879 - Current county seat of Lincoln was established
  • 1880s - Population increased significantly due to influx of settlers
  • 1887 - Oil was discovered in the county, leading to an economic boom
  • 1950s-1960s - Decline in population and economy due to mechanization of agriculture
  • Today, Lincoln County is a rural area with a focus on agriculture and tourism