National Register Listing

Milbank Carnegie Library

S. 3rd Ave., Milbank, SD
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
  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 library
The Lewis and Clark expedition, which explored much of the western United States in the early 19th century, passed through what is now South Dakota.
South Dakota random facts
Grant County, South Dakota, located in the northeast part of the state, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Before European settlement, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Dakota and Nakota Sioux. These tribes relied on the land for hunting, fishing, and agriculture.

In the 19th century, European settlers began to arrive in the area. The first permanent settlement was established in 1878, and the town of Milbank was founded soon after in 1880. The town was named after its founder, Jacob J. Milbank, who played a crucial role in the development of the area. Milbank quickly became a center of commerce and agriculture, with the railroad arriving in 1881 further boosting its growth.

Agriculture has always played a vital role in Grant County's economy. The land and climate proved to be well-suited for farming, leading to an increase in population and the expansion of agricultural activities. Wheat, corn, and soybeans became the main crops cultivated in the area, and farming remained a dominant industry throughout the 20th century.

In recent years, Grant County has faced challenges, such as the decline in the number of family farms and depopulation trends seen in many rural areas. However, the community has been resilient and has adapted to changing times. Today, Grant County remains a vibrant community with a strong agricultural heritage, and efforts are being made to diversify the local economy through tourism and other industries.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Grant County, South Dakota.

  • 1873 - Grant County is established.
  • Late 19th century - Settlements begin to form in the county.
  • 1880 - Milbank, the largest city in the county, is incorporated.
  • Early 20th century - Agriculture becomes the main economic activity in the county.
  • 1929 - The Great Depression causes economic hardship in Grant County.
  • 1936 - The Civilian Conservation Corps establishes a camp in the county.
  • 1950s - Power lines and rural electrification projects are implemented.
  • 1962 - A large tornado strikes the county, causing significant damage.
  • 1973 - Grant County celebrates its centennial anniversary.
  • Late 20th century - The county experiences population decline due to changing agricultural practices.
  • 2007 - The Wind Energy Conversion System ordinance is passed to regulate wind farm development.