National Register Listing

Council Grove Carnegie Library

303 W. Main, Council Grove, 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
Kansas was named after the Kansa Native American tribe, which means "people of the south wind."
Kansas random facts
Morris County, located in the state of Kansas, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Kaw and Osage tribes, who primarily relied on hunting and gathering for sustenance.

In the mid-19th century, European settlers began to move into the region, attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for farming. The town of Council Grove, which later became the county seat, was established in the 1840s as a major stopping point on the Santa Fe Trail. This historic trail played a crucial role in the transportation of goods between Missouri and Mexico, and Council Grove served as an important trading post for pioneers and Native Americans.

As more settlers arrived, the county experienced rapid growth and development. The agricultural sector flourished, with crops such as corn, wheat, and vegetables being cultivated on the fertile prairie land. The construction of railroads in the late 19th century further contributed to the county's prosperity, as it facilitated the transportation of goods and people in and out of the area.

Over the years, Morris County has faced its fair share of challenges. The devastating effects of the Great Depression in the 1930s and the decline of agriculture in the mid-20th century led to a period of economic hardship for the county. However, efforts to diversify the local economy and promote tourism have helped revitalize the area in recent years.

Today, Morris County is known for its picturesque landscapes, historical sites, and strong sense of community. The county continues to be a hub for agriculture and agribusiness, while also attracting visitors with its charming small towns, outdoor recreational opportunities, and rich cultural heritage.

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

  • 1855 - Morris County is established on February 17.
  • 1860 - The first permanent white settlers arrive in the area.
  • 1867 - Council Grove becomes the county seat.
  • 1878 - The Missouri-Pacific Railroad reaches Council Grove, boosting the local economy.
  • 1880 - White City is founded as a railroad town.
  • 1893 - Construction of the Morris County Courthouse is completed.
  • 1912 - The county experiences an oil boom, leading to increased population and economic growth.
  • 1930 - The Great Depression impacts the county, causing economic hardship.
  • 1965 - Construction of Council Grove Reservoir is completed.
  • 2000 - The population of Morris County reaches its peak at over 6,000 residents.
  • 2010 - The population of Morris County decreases for the first time in over 100 years.