National Register Listing

Mountain Home Carnegie Library

180 S. 33rd St., East, Mountain Home, ID
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
  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
Idaho is known for its potatoes, but it wasn't until the 1930s that potatoes became a major crop in the state. Before that, wheat was the primary crop grown in Idaho.
Idaho random facts
Elmore County, located in southwestern Idaho, has a rich history that dates back several centuries. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Shosone and Bannock, who relied on the resources of the Snake River and adjacent land for sustenance and trade.

In the early 1800s, European explorers and fur trappers started arriving in the region, including famous names like Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. Their expeditions and encounters with Native American tribes established ties between the newcomers and the local inhabitants. However, it wasn't until the mid-1800s that settlers began to permanently inhabit the area, attracted by the fertile soil and potential for agriculture.

The establishment of Fort Boise in 1863 marked a significant turning point in Elmore County's history as it served as a vital military outpost during the Oregon Trail era. The fort provided protection for settlers and facilitated communication and trade between different regions. With the railroad's arrival in 1883, Elmore County experienced further growth and development, becoming a transportation hub in the region.

The 20th century brought new challenges and opportunities for Elmore County. Agriculture, mining, and timber industries flourished, contributing to the county's economy. Simultaneously, the construction of irrigation systems greatly enhanced agricultural productivity. Today, Elmore County continues to thrive, offering a mix of rural charm, natural beauty, and historical significance, making it a destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Elmore County, Idaho.

  • 1864 - Elmore County is established on February 7, 1864, as a part of the Idaho Territory.
  • 1879 - The county seat is moved from Rocky Bar to its current location in Mountain Home.
  • 1893 - The Oregon Short Line Railroad is completed, providing transportation and boosting the local economy.
  • 1905 - The Mountain Home Air Force Base is established as a training site for military aviators.
  • 1915 - Anderson Ranch Dam is constructed, providing irrigation water and hydroelectric power to the region.
  • 1951 - The Mountain Home Air Force Range is established as a bombing and gunnery range.
  • 1989 - The census-designated place of Pine and Featherville merge to form a new city called Pine-Featherville.
  • 2007 - Elk City Dam is completed, adding a new source of water storage for irrigation and recreation.