Turlock Carnegie Library
a.k.a. Carnegie Center for the Arts and Crafts
250 N. Broadway, Turlock, CA Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1993.
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 first European to set foot in California was Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, a Portuguese explorer sailing for the Spanish crown. He arrived in what is now San Diego Bay in 1542 and explored the coast for several months.
In the early 19th century, European settlers began arriving in the area. The Mexican government granted land grants to individuals, including John Marsh and Gabriel Moraga, which marked the beginnings of European settlement. The Gold Rush in the 1850s brought an influx of people to the region, leading to the establishment of several small towns in what is now Stanislaus County.
The county's name comes from the Stanislaus River, which was named after Estanislao, a Native American leader who had led resistance against Spanish rule. The region became a major agricultural center due to its fertile soil and reliable water supply from the nearby rivers. Wheat, grain, and cattle farming were prominent, with the introduction of irrigation systems and railroads further bolstering the agricultural industry.
Over time, the county saw significant growth and development. The city of Modesto, now the county seat, was established in 1870 and quickly grew as an agricultural hub. In the 20th century, the county continued its agricultural prominence while also diversifying its economy. The region became known for its production of dairy products, grapes, nuts, and citrus fruits.
Today, Stanislaus County is a thriving community with a diverse population of over 500,000 people. It is home to several major industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, education, and healthcare. The county continues to be a vital part of the Central Valley's economy and remains a significant agricultural producer for the state of California.
Stanislaus County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Stanislaus County, California.
- 1848: Gold is discovered in California, leading to the California Gold Rush
- 1850: Stanislaus County is established as one of the original 27 counties of California
- 1854: The city of Modesto is founded as a railroad town
- 1884: The Tidewater Southern Railway is completed, connecting Modesto to Oakland
- 1907: The Modesto Irrigation District is formed to provide water for agricultural development
- 1942: The Stanislaus County Fair is first held in Turlock
- 1971: The Gallo Winery is established in Livingston, becoming one of the largest wine producers in the world
- 1997: The Great Valley Museum of Natural History is opened at Modesto Junior College
- 2002: Stanislaus County experiences a severe outbreak of West Nile virus
- 2009: The City of Modesto celebrates its 100th anniversary