Colusa Carnegie Library
a.k.a. Carnegie Library Building;City of Colusa Police Department
260 Sixth St., Colusa, CA Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
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 California Gold Rush of 1849 brought a huge influx of people to the state. In just two years, the population of San Francisco grew from 1,000 to 25,000. However, only a small percentage of gold-seekers actually struck it rich, and many ended up in debt or poverty.
In the early 19th century, Mexican ranchos were established in the region, including the Colus Rancho. John Bidwell, a prominent pioneer in California, later purchased a portion of this rancho and became a significant figure in the social and economic development of the county.
The California Gold Rush brought a wave of settlers to Colusa County in the mid-1800s, seeking their fortune in the numerous gold mines in the nearby Sierra Nevada Mountains. With the discovery of gold, many small towns and settlements sprung up across the county, catering to the needs of miners and offering various services. The bounty of the Feather River and the Sacramento Valley also attracted agriculture and livestock production, which became significant sources of wealth in the region.
As the county developed, it went through various economic boom and bust cycles. The establishment of the California Pacific Railroad in the late 19th century further boosted Colusa County's growth, facilitating trade and transportation in the area. Today, agriculture remains a major industry in the county, with crops such as almonds, rice, and tomatoes being significant contributors to the local economy.
Throughout its history, Colusa County has maintained its strong agricultural heritage while also embracing modern developments. It continues to be a picturesque region, boasting natural beauty, historic landmarks, and a close-knit community that values its rich history.
Colusa County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Colusa County, California.
- 1850: Colusa County is established as one of the original 27 counties in California.
- 1852: The city of Colusa is founded.
- 1853: The county seat is officially moved from Monroeville to Colusa.
- 1871: The Colusa Sun newspaper is established, becoming the oldest continuously published weekly newspaper in California.
- 1880: The Colusa County Courthouse is constructed.
- 1941: The Sacramento River floods Colusa County, causing significant damage to farms and homes.
- 1986: Colusa Casino Resort opens, becoming a popular local attraction.
- 1998: The Colusa National Wildlife Refuge is established, providing habitat for migratory birds.
- 2000: The population of Colusa County reaches its peak at over 22,000 residents.
- 2018: The Camp Fire, one of the most destructive wildfires in California history, affects some parts of Colusa County.