National Register Listing

Little Falls Carnegie Library

108 3rd St., NE, Little Falls, MN
Local significance of the building:
Education; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
  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.

library
Minnesota is home to the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area, Lake Superior. It covers over 31,000 square miles and contains 10% of the world's fresh surface water.
Minnesota random facts
Morrison County, located in central Minnesota, has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. The region was originally inhabited by Ojibwe and Dakota Sioux tribes, who relied on hunting, fishing, and agriculture for their livelihoods. However, in the early 19th century, European settlers began to arrive in the area, leading to significant changes.

In 1838, the area that is now Morrison County was part of a territorial land grab by the United States government. The Treaty of St. Peters opened up the region for settlement, and settlers quickly flocked to the area, attracted by the abundance of timber and fertile land. The first permanent white settlement in the county was established in 1849 by a group of Franciscan missionaries.

The county's economy was initially based on logging, as the lush forests provided ample resources for the burgeoning timber industry. Sawmills sprang up throughout the area, and Morrison County became one of the largest lumber producers in Minnesota. As the logging industry thrived, the county experienced a population boom, with immigrants from Germany, Poland, and other European countries arriving to work in the timber sector.

Over the years, Morrison County has witnessed various social and economic developments. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century revolutionized transportation in the region, allowing for easier movement of goods and people. The logging industry began to decline in the early 20th century due to deforestation and changing market demands. However, agriculture, particularly dairy farming, became an important economic driver for the county.

Today, Morrison County is a mixture of rural communities and small towns. It embraces its historical heritage and is home to several museums, including The Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site, celebrating the famous aviator's early life in the county. The county continues to evolve, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, ensuring a bright future for the residents of Morrison County.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Morrison County, Minnesota.

  • 1851: Morrison County was established on February 25.
  • 1852: The first settlers arrived in the area, primarily from Maine.
  • 1856: The city of Little Falls was platted and designated as the county seat.
  • 1860: The population of Morrison County reached over 2,000 people.
  • 1874: The first railroad reached Morrison County, boosting economic growth.
  • 1878: Charles A. Lindbergh, Sr., father of aviator Charles Lindbergh, was born in Morrison County.
  • 1884: The first county fair was held in Little Falls.
  • 1889: Charles A. Lindbergh, Jr., the famous aviator, was born in Morrison County.
  • 1894: The famous Zoar Methodist Church was constructed in the county.
  • 1914: The current courthouse in Little Falls was built.
  • 1920: The prohibition era began, leading to an increase in illegal alcohol production and distribution in the county.
  • 1950: Morrison County experienced a period of economic growth with new industries and a growing population.
  • 1964: Charles Lindbergh, Jr.'s childhood home in Little Falls became a state historic site.
  • 1997: The Charles A. Lindbergh State Park was established in Morrison County.