National Register Listing

Carnegie Library of Barnesville

Library St., Barnesville, GA
Local significance of the building:
Education; Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
  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 state of Georgia has produced many notable musicians, including Ray Charles, James Brown, Otis Redding, and the Allman Brothers Band.
Georgia random facts
Lamar County, Georgia, is located in the central part of the state. Named after Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus Lamar, a prominent politician from Georgia, the county was established on August 17, 1920. However, the area had been inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Creek and Cherokee, for centuries before European settlers arrived.

The first European settlers in the area were primarily farmers who established small communities along the banks of the Towaliga River. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became the backbone of the county's economy in the 19th century. With the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s, Lamar County experienced a period of growth and prosperity.

During the Civil War, Lamar County, like many other parts of Georgia, was deeply affected. Many young men from the county enlisted in the Confederate Army, and the area witnessed battles and skirmishes. The aftermath of the war brought significant challenges, including the economic impact of emancipation and the struggle to rebuild the county's economy.

In the 20th century, Lamar County continued to be an agricultural center, but the decline of cotton as a primary crop and the mechanization of agriculture brought changes. The county shifted towards poultry farming and the timber industry. Today, Lamar County is a mix of small towns and rural areas, known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and as a haven for those seeking a peaceful country lifestyle.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Lamar County, Georgia.

  • 1821: Lamar County is created and named after Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus Lamar, a Supreme Court justice from Georgia.
  • 1828: The county seat is established in the town of Barnesville.
  • 1840s: The construction of railways, including the Monroe Railroad and the Macon and Western Railroad, boost the county's economy.
  • 1861-1865: Lamar County residents actively participate in the American Civil War.
  • Early 1900s: The county experiences growth in agriculture and cotton production.
  • 1925: A devastating tornado strikes Barnesville, causing significant damage.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression affects the county, leading to economic challenges.
  • 1950s-1960s: Integration of schools and the civil rights movement impact the county.
  • 2000s: Lamar County sees ongoing growth and development in various sectors.