National Register Listing

Lavonia Carnegie Library

Hartwell Rd., Lavonia, GA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
  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 social history library
Audiobooks about the history of Georgia.
During the American Revolution, Georgia was the site of several important battles, including the Battle of Kettle Creek in 1779, which was a significant victory for the Patriot forces.
Georgia random facts
Franklin County, located in the northeastern part of Georgia, has a rich and diverse history dating back hundreds of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Cherokee and Creek. European settlers began to arrive in the 1700s, and in 1784, Franklin County was officially established.

During the American Revolutionary War, Franklin County played a significant role as a hotspot for revolutionary activity. It was here that the Battle of Tugaloo River occurred in 1776, where American forces successfully defended against a British attack. The county's strategic location along major trade routes also made it a key center for trade and commerce during this time.

In the 19th century, the economy of Franklin County revolved around agriculture, with cotton being the primary crop. The county experienced a boom in population and economic growth during the antebellum period. However, like many other southern states, Franklin County was deeply impacted by the Civil War. Many battles and skirmishes took place in the area, leading to significant damage and loss of life.

Following the Civil War, Franklin County went through a period of reconstruction and recovery. The county's economy shifted to focus on industries such as textiles, manufacturing, and timber. Today, Franklin County continues to thrive, with a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism playing important roles in its economy. The county remains an important historical and cultural center, with numerous historic sites and landmarks that showcase its vibrant past.

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

  • 1784 - Franklin County is officially formed as a county in the state of Georgia.
  • Early 1800s - The county experiences rapid population growth due to the discovery of gold in the area.
  • 1861-1865 - Franklin County citizens actively participate in the American Civil War.
  • Late 1800s - Agriculture becomes the main industry in the county, with cotton and tobacco being major crops.
  • Early 1900s - The county's economy diversifies with the growth of textile mills and manufacturing industries.
  • 1930s-1940s - Franklin County suffers from the effects of the Great Depression and a decline in agriculture.
  • 1950s-1960s - The construction of Lake Hartwell brings tourism and recreational opportunities to the county.
  • 1970s-present - Franklin County continues to develop and attract industries, while also preserving its rural character.