National Register Listing

Elliott-Carnegie Library

415 - 1st Ave. NW, Hickory, NC
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
  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 library
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, North Carolina became a leading producer of furniture, textiles, and tobacco products. The state's nickname, the "Tar Heel State," comes from the fact that the state was a major producer of tar, pitch, and turpentine from its vast pine forests.
North Carolina random facts
Catawba County, located in North Carolina, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was home to indigenous peoples, including the Catawba and Cherokee tribes, who thrived along the banks of the Catawba River. Europeans first settled in the region in the 18th century, with the establishment of Fort Dobbs in 1756 to protect against Native American attacks.

During the early 19th century, Catawba County developed into a bustling center for trade and commerce, thanks to its strategic location along major transportation routes. The arrival of the railroad in the 1850s further accelerated growth, connecting Catawba County to larger markets and leading to the establishment of new towns and industries.

The county played a significant role in the Civil War, with many of its citizens enlisting in the Confederate Army. Catawba County faced hardships during the war, including economic struggles and the destruction caused by Union forces. However, the area slowly recovered in the post-war years, focusing on agriculture, textiles, and furniture manufacturing as its primary industries.

In the 20th century, Catawba County experienced continued growth and industrialization. The county became known as the "Furniture Capital of the South," with numerous furniture manufacturers establishing operations in the area. Over time, the economy diversified, and Catawba County now boasts a thriving manufacturing sector, including industries such as automotive, technology, and healthcare.

Today, Catawba County remains an important center of economic activity in North Carolina, with its rich history contributing to its cultural vibrancy. The county preserve its past through historical sites, museums, and festivals that celebrate its heritage and the contributions of its diverse communities.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Catawba County, North Carolina.

  • 1747: Catawba County is established as part of Anson County.
  • 1792: The county becomes part of Lincoln County.
  • 1842: Catawba County is officially formed as a separate county.
  • 1870s: Catawba County experiences significant growth with the arrival of the railroad.
  • 1920s: Catawba County becomes a hub for furniture manufacturing.
  • 1940s-1950s: Catawba County's economy diversifies with the growth of textile industries.
  • 1980s: Catawba County faces economic challenges with the decline in the textile and furniture industries.
  • Present: Catawba County continues to focus on economic redevelopment and diversification.