National Register Listing

Coos Bay Carnegie Library

a.k.a. Old Coos Art Museum

515 Market St., Coos Bay, OR
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
  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
The city of Portland, Oregon was named after Portland, Maine. The city's founder, Asa Lovejoy, had lived in Portland, Maine and wanted to name the new settlement after his former hometown.
Oregon random facts
Coos County, located in southwestern Oregon, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous tribes, including the Coos and Miluk tribes, who thrived on fishing, hunting, and gathering in the forests and along the coast. In the 16th century, European explorers and fur traders began arriving in the region, establishing a presence and introducing new technologies and goods.

During the mid-19th century, the discovery of gold in nearby areas attracted large numbers of settlers to Coos County. However, it was the timber industry that ultimately brought significant economic development and growth to the region. The abundance of coastal forests provided a valuable resource that fueled the establishment of sawmills and logging camps. Timber became the backbone of Coos County's economy for many decades, attracting workers from all over the country and leading to the formation of numerous towns and communities.

In the early 20th century, Coos County faced significant challenges, including fires, economic downturns, and labor disputes. However, the region rebounded during World War II, when a surge in demand for lumber and other resources revitalized the local economy. Following the war, Coos County continued to thrive as industries diversified, including fishing, manufacturing, and tourism.

Today, Coos County is known for its stunning natural beauty, including its rugged coastline, expansive forests, and diverse wildlife. The region has also embraced eco-tourism and outdoor recreational activities, attracting visitors from around the world. With a population that values its history and natural resources, Coos County maintains a unique blend of traditional industries and a commitment to sustainable development for the future.

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

  • 1848 - The first settlers, primarily fur trappers and traders, arrive in the Coos County area.
  • 1850 - Coos County is officially established as a county in the Oregon Territory.
  • 1860 - Coos County experiences a boom with the discovery of gold in the area, attracting many miners.
  • 1870 - The Coos Bay Wagon Road is completed, linking Coos County to the rest of the state and spurring economic growth.
  • 1880 - Logging becomes a major industry in Coos County, leading to the establishment of several sawmills.
  • 1890 - Coos County's population reaches over 11,000 as more people come to work in the logging and fishing industries.
  • 1900 - The Southern Pacific Railroad extends its line to Coos County, further boosting economic development.
  • 1910 - Coos County experiences a decline in its timber industry due to overlogging and stricter regulations.
  • 1920 - The Great Depression hits Coos County hard, causing widespread unemployment and economic hardship.
  • 1930 - Coos County begins to recover from the Great Depression with the construction of the Coos Bay Bridge.
  • 1940 - World War II brings a brief economic boost to Coos County as the shipbuilding industry flourishes.
  • 1950 - The decline of the shipbuilding industry leads to an economic downturn in Coos County.
  • 1960 - Tourism becomes an important sector in Coos County, as visitors are attracted to its natural beauty.
  • 1970 - Coos County experiences socio-economic changes, with a shift from resource-based industries to service and healthcare.
  • 1980 - Coos County faces challenges with unemployment and an aging population.
  • 1990 - Efforts are made to diversify the economy with the development of tourism and technology-based industries.
  • 2000 - Coos County continues to face economic challenges, but efforts are made to promote sustainable development.