National Register Listing

Carnegie Library

1125 Pine St., Boulder, CO
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
  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 first documented discovery of gold in Colorado was in 1858, when a group of prospectors found gold near present-day Denver. This discovery led to the Pike's Peak Gold Rush and a population boom in the area.
Colorado random facts
Boulder County, located in Colorado, has a rich and diverse history that begins with the Native American tribes who inhabited the region for centuries. The Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes primarily occupied the area, relying on the abundant natural resources, including water from rivers and fertile land for farming. European settlers began arriving in the mid-19th century, drawn by the discovery of gold in nearby regions.

In 1858, gold prospectors arrived in Boulder County, sparking a gold rush and leading to the establishment of several mining towns. Boulder City, founded in 1859, quickly became the largest community in the area. However, as the gold deposits depleted, the focus shifted to agriculture, particularly the production of crops like wheat and sugar beets. The introduction of the railroad in the late 19th century further facilitated growth and economic development.

Boulder County became known for its educational institutions during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1877, the University of Colorado was founded in Boulder, which brought intellectual and cultural growth to the region. The establishment of the Chautauqua movement in Chautauqua Park in 1898 also helped solidify Boulder's reputation as a center for learning and cultural exchange.

The 20th century brought further growth to Boulder County, with the establishment of key industries such as aerospace and technology. In the 1950s, the National Center for Atmospheric Research was established in Boulder, contributing to the county's reputation as a hub for scientific research. The presence of the University of Colorado also attracted high-tech companies, leading to the emergence of the Boulder Valley tech corridor.

Today, Boulder County is known for its natural beauty, vibrant cultural scene, and progressive values. It continues to be a desirable location for outdoor enthusiasts, businesses, and students seeking a blend of innovation, education, and recreational opportunities.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Boulder County, Colorado.

  • 1803: The area that would become Boulder County is explored by the Lewis and Clark expedition.
  • 1820s: Early fur trappers and traders arrive in the area.
  • 1858: Gold is discovered in the area, attracting a wave of prospectors.
  • 1861: Boulder County is established as a separate county in the Territory of Colorado.
  • 1871: The University of Colorado Boulder is founded.
  • 1873: Boulder becomes the county seat.
  • 1894: The Colorado Chautauqua, a cultural and educational center, opens in Boulder.
  • 1914: The town of Longmont is incorporated in Boulder County.
  • 1942-1945: The Hanseman Park Japanese Internment Camp is established in Boulder County during World War II.
  • 1952: The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) is founded in Boulder.
  • 2013: Historic flooding occurs in Boulder County causing significant damage.