Springville Carnegie Library
175 S. Main St., Springville, UT Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1991.
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.
The state is known for its national parks, including Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Arches National Park. However, one lesser-known park is the Golden Spike National Historic Site, which commemorates the completion of the transcontinental railroad.
In 1849, Brigham Young, the leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), sent a group of pioneers to establish a settlement in Utah Valley, which later became Utah County. The settlers faced several challenges, including harsh climate conditions and conflicts with Native American tribes. Despite these difficulties, the settlement grew and prospered as more pioneers arrived in the area.
Utah County became the center of religious, social, and economic activities for the Mormon pioneers. The construction of the Provo Tabernacle and the Provo City Center Temple served as important landmarks of the region's religious heritage. Agriculture, especially fruit cultivation, became a significant industry in the county, with apples, cherries, and peaches being key crops.
Over the years, Utah County witnessed significant growth and development. Educational institutions, such as Brigham Young University (BYU), were established and played a crucial role in shaping the county's cultural landscape. In recent years, Utah County has experienced a surge in population, becoming one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States. Today, it combines its religious heritage with a thriving economy, offering a mix of urban and rural areas, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a vibrant community.
Utah County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Utah County, Utah.
- 1776: The first European explorers, Fathers Escalante and Dominguez, traveled through Utah County.
- 1847: Mormon pioneers led by Brigham Young settled in the Salt Lake Valley, including the area now known as Utah County.
- 1849: Provo was settled and became the county seat of Utah County.
- 1851: Utah County had its first courthouse and jail.
- 1852: Provo was incorporated as a city.
- 1869: The completion of the transcontinental railroad brought new economic opportunities to Utah County.
- 1875: Brigham Young Academy (now Brigham Young University) was established in Provo.
- 1894: The first electric streetcar system was introduced in Provo.
- 1903: The Utah-Idaho Sugar Company built a sugar factory in Lehi.
- 1920: The Provo City Library was opened.
- 1940s: Geneva Steel, a major steel mill, began operations in Utah County.
- 1969: Brigham Young University became a university, offering graduate degrees.
- 1980s: The technology industry started to grow in Utah County with the establishment of companies like Novell and WordPerfect.
- 2002: The Peaks Ice Arena in Provo hosted ice hockey events during the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.