National Register Listing

O'Neill Carnegie Library

a.k.a. Grattan Township Library; HT13-005

601 E Douglas St., O'Neill, NE
Local significance of the building:
Education

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2018.
  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 library
The name "Nebraska" is derived from an Oto Indian word meaning "flat water."
Nebraska random facts
Holt County, Nebraska is located in the north-central part of the state and has a rich and diverse history. The region was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Pawnee and Omaha peoples, who relied on hunting and gathering for their sustenance.

European exploration of the area began in the early 1800s, with fur traders and trappers venturing into the region. In 1854, the United States government established the Nebraska Territory, and settlers began to migrate to the area. Holt County was officially organized in 1876, named after Joseph Holt, a former Secretary of War under President James Buchanan.

The county experienced a rapid influx of settlers from various ethnic backgrounds, including Germans, Czechs, Irish, and Scandinavians. These settlers brought with them their own cultural traditions and way of life, which influenced the development of the region. Agriculture quickly became the backbone of the economy, with farming and ranching taking hold as the primary means of livelihood.

Over the years, Holt County has faced numerous challenges and triumphs. The construction of the railroad in the late 19th century opened up markets for agricultural products and facilitated further economic growth. However, the Great Depression and subsequent droughts in the 1930s brought hardships to the region, leading to a decline in population and a shift in farming practices.

Today, Holt County continues to thrive as an agricultural community, with farming and ranching being the primary industries. The area is known for its picturesque landscapes, rich soil, and beautiful rolling hills. It also holds a strong sense of community and prides itself on preserving its heritage while embracing modern advancements.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Holt County, Nebraska.

  • Holt County, NE was established on January 26, 1862.
  • The first white settler, James M. Woolworth, arrived in 1861.
  • In 1873, the county seat was moved from Willow Springs to O'Neill.
  • In 1880, the railroad reached Holt County, bringing growth and development.
  • Holt County's first newspaper, the O'Neill Frontier, was published in 1882.
  • The Holt County Courthouse was built in 1886.
  • The Holt County Fair was organized in 1887.
  • In 1919, the Holt County Historical Society was established.
  • The Holt County Historical Museum was founded in 1976.
  • Today, Holt County is known for its agriculture, especially cattle ranching.