North Bend Carnegie Library
140 E. 8th St., North Bend, NE Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1981.
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.
Nebraska was originally part of the Louisiana Purchase, which was a vast territory acquired by the United States from France in 1803.
In 1854, the Kansas-Nebraska Act was passed, which opened up the area for homesteading and settlement. Dodge County was established in 1855 and named after Augustus C. Dodge, a U.S. senator from Iowa. The county seat was initially located in Fremont, which quickly grew into a thriving community due to its proximity to the Platte River and the transcontinental railroad.
During the late 19th century, Dodge County experienced a significant influx of immigrants, particularly from Germany, Scandinavia, and Czechoslovakia. These immigrants brought with them their unique cultures and traditions, which helped shape the county's identity. Agriculture became the backbone of the economy, with farming and cattle ranching becoming dominant industries.
In the 20th century, Dodge County continued to evolve and adapt to changing times. The county witnessed advancements in transportation, healthcare, education, and industry. Today, Dodge County remains an important agricultural region, producing a variety of crops, including corn, soybeans, and wheat. The county is also known for its manufacturing sector, which includes companies specializing in food processing, machinery, and metals.
Overall, Dodge County's history reflects the perseverance and resilience of the people who have called it home, from the Native American tribes to the pioneers and immigrants who settled the land. The county continues to embrace its agricultural roots while embracing modern advancements, making it a vibrant and diverse community in Nebraska.
Dodge County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Dodge County, Nebraska.
- 1854 - Dodge County is established by the Nebraska Territorial Legislature.
- 1856 - The first white settlers arrive in the area.
- 1857 - Fremont, initially known as "Old Mormon Traders Station," is founded by the Mormons.
- 1860 - The county seat is moved from Blackbird Hill to Fremont.
- 1864 - The first courthouse is built in Fremont.
- 1865 - The Union Pacific Railroad reaches Fremont, leading to economic growth.
- 1867 - Dodge County is hit by a devastating grasshopper plague, causing widespread crop destruction.
- 1881 - Scribner is incorporated as a town in Dodge County.
- 1902 - The Fremont, Elkhorn, and Missouri Valley Railroad is completed, connecting several cities in Dodge County.
- 1917-1918 - Dodge County experiences a Spanish flu outbreak, resulting in a significant number of deaths.
- 1935 - As part of the New Deal programs, the Fremont Municipal Airport is constructed in Fremont.
- 1950s - The construction of the Dodge County Courthouse is completed in Fremont.
- 1977 - The Fremont Area Medical Center is established, providing healthcare services to the community.
- 1996 - A major flood affects Dodge County, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure.
- 2004 - The Dodge County Historical Society is founded to preserve the county's history.