National Register Listing

Ironwood Carnegie Library

235 E. Aurora St., Ironwood, MI
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2011.
  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.

architecture social history colonization Irish immigrants immigration plantations
Michigan was the birthplace of the American automobile industry. In the early 20th century, automakers such as Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler established headquarters and factories in Michigan, leading to a boom in the state's economy and population. Detroit became known as the "Motor City" and a symbol of American industrial power.
Michigan random facts
Gogebic County, MI is located in the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan and has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by the ancient Native American tribes, particularly the Ojibwa and Ottawa, who relied on the region's abundant natural resources for sustenance and trade.

The first European settlers arrived in the area in the mid-19th century, drawn by the discovery of valuable iron ore deposits. The development of the iron mining industry quickly transformed the landscape and led to a rapid influx of immigrants, primarily from Finland, Sweden, and other European countries. These settlers established numerous mining communities such as Ironwood, Bessemer, and Wakefield, which became key economic centers.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Gogebic County experienced a period of unprecedented prosperity as iron ore mining boomed. The region's iron mines played a vital role in supplying the raw materials needed for the industrial development of the United States. However, this prosperity was not without challenges, as labor disputes and economic fluctuations affected the mining industry and the communities dependent on it.

Today, Gogebic County remains strongly connected to its mining heritage, with remnants of old mine shafts and other industrial sites still visible in the landscape. The area has also diversified its economy, embracing tourism and outdoor recreation opportunities such as fishing, hunting, and skiing. Gogebic County continues to honor its history and heritage through museums, local festivals, and cultural events that celebrate the accomplishments and hardships of the early settlers and the growth of the county.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Gogebic County, Michigan.

  • 1831: Treaty of Washington opens the area to settlement
  • 1845: Gogebic County is established
  • 1884: Iron ore is discovered, leading to a mining boom
  • 1896: Gogebic County becomes the largest iron ore producer in Michigan
  • 1930s: The mining industry declines due to decreased demand and the Great Depression
  • 1987: Copper Peak, a ski flying hill, is opened
  • 1995: Flambeau Mine, the last operating mine in Gogebic County, shuts down
  • 2002: The Iron Belle Trail, a hiking and biking trail, is established
  • 2016: Gogebic County celebrates its 171st anniversary