National Register Listing

Everett Carnegie Library

a.k.a. Office of the Snohomish County Executive

3001 Oakes Ave., Everett, WA
Local significance of the building:
Education; Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
  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 architecture social history library
The first European settlement in Washington was established by the Spanish in 1775 at Neah Bay on the Olympic Peninsula.
Washington random facts
Snohomish County, located in the northwestern part of Washington state, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Snohomish, Duwamish, and Stillaguamish peoples, who relied on the region's abundant natural resources for their livelihoods. European exploration of the area began in the late 18th century, with Spanish, British, and American explorers all vying for control.

In the mid-19th century, the settlement of Snohomish County began in earnest with the arrival of American settlers. The discovery of gold in the Fraser River of nearby Canada drew thousands of prospectors to the area in the 1850s, leading to the founding of several towns. The logging industry also played a significant role in the county's early development and economy, as vast forests provided timber for construction and export.

The arrival of the Great Northern Railway in the late 19th century spurred even further growth in Snohomish County. The establishment of rail lines allowed for easier transportation of goods, attracting new industries and businesses to the region. Cities like Everett, Marysville, and Edmonds flourished as manufacturing centers, with industries such as shipbuilding, aerospace, and paper production becoming major contributors to the county's economy.

Over the years, Snohomish County has seen significant population growth and urban development. Today, it is home to a diverse and thriving community, encompassing suburban areas, rural landscapes, and bustling urban centers. The county continues to embrace its natural beauty, with attractions like the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, the Puget Sound, and numerous parks and outdoor recreational opportunities.

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

  • 1855 - Treaty of Point Elliott is signed between the United States government and local Native American tribes, creating a reservation for the Tulalip Tribes.
  • 1861 - What is now Snohomish County becomes part of Washington Territory.
  • 1861 - Snohomish County is officially established, named after the Snohomish Tribe.
  • 1871 - The first sawmill is built in what is now Everett, leading to the region's significant timber industry.
  • 1890 - The city of Everett is incorporated.
  • 1907 - The first commercial logging railroad begins operation in Snohomish County.
  • 1921 - The Boeing Company is founded in Seattle, later becoming a major employer in the region.
  • 1937 - The Snohomish County Airport (now Paine Field) opens in Everett, becoming a hub for aviation and aerospace industries.
  • 1967 - The Snohomish County Government Campus is established in Everett as the county seat.
  • 1980 - The Seattle SuperSonics basketball team moves its home games to the Everett Civic Auditorium for a season while their arena in Seattle is being renovated.
  • 1996 - The Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour opens at Paine Field, offering a behind-the-scenes look at aerospace manufacturing.