National Register Listing

Caldwell Carnegie Library

1101 Cleveland Blvd., Caldwell, ID
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Social History

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 social history library
Audiobooks about the history of Idaho.
Idaho was part of the Oregon Territory before it became a separate territory in 1863, and then a state in 1890. At the time, Idaho's borders were much larger than they are now, including parts of Wyoming and Montana.
Idaho random facts
Canyon County, Idaho, located in the southwestern part of the state, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, most notably the Shoshone-Bannock, Nez Perce, and Northern Paiute tribes. These tribes lived off the land, hunting, fishing, and gathering food.

In the early 19th century, European fur trappers and explorers, such as Lewis and Clark, began to explore the area, establishing trade relationships with the Native American tribes. The discovery of gold in the Boise Basin in 1862 brought an influx of settlers to the region. However, it wasn't until the completion of the Oregon Short Line Railroad in 1884 that the area experienced significant growth.

With the arrival of the railroad, communities and towns quickly sprouted up in what is now Canyon County. Caldwell, the county seat, was founded in 1883 and became an important transportation and trade hub. Agriculture also played a vital role in the county's development, with the fertile soil and favorable climate attracting farmers and ranchers to the region.

Over the years, Canyon County has gone through periods of growth and change. The county's population boomed during the 20th century, as it became a center for agricultural production, particularly for crops such as sugar beets, onions, and hops. Today, Canyon County continues to be an important agricultural area, while also experiencing growth in other sectors, such as food processing and manufacturing.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Canyon County, Idaho.

  • 1805 - The Lewis and Clark expedition passes through what is now Canyon County.
  • 1811 - The first recorded exploration of the Snake River by Europeans takes place.
  • 1863 - Canyon County is established as part of Ada County.
  • 1884 - The first settlers arrive in the area, primarily farmers and ranchers.
  • 1891 - Fruit orchards are introduced to the region, becoming a major industry.
  • 1913 - Nampa becomes the county seat of Canyon County, replacing Caldwell.
  • 1919 - The Nampa and Caldwell irrigation districts are established, ensuring a reliable water supply for agriculture.
  • 1959 - The Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge is established along the Snake River in Canyon County.
  • 1972 - The College of Western Idaho is founded, providing higher education opportunities in the county.
  • 2007 - Wildfires sweep through Canyon County, causing significant damage to homes and farmland.