National Register Listing

Moscow Carnegie Library

110 S. Jefferson St., Moscow, ID
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
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
Latah County, located in the northern part of Idaho, has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Nez Perce and Palouse tribes, who relied on the abundant natural resources of the region such as fish, game, and plants for their sustenance. European settlers began to arrive in the mid-19th century, attracted by the prospect of gold and other valuable resources.

In 1871, the town of Moscow was established as the county seat of Latah County. It quickly became an important center for education and commerce, with the establishment of the University of Idaho in 1889. The university played a significant role in the county's development, contributing to the growth of the town and the region as a whole.

Latah County also played a significant part in the labor and industrial movements of the early 20th century. In 1917, the IWW (Industrial Workers of the World) launched a major labor strike known as the "Potlatch Strike." This strike had a profound impact on the community, leading to the arrest and imprisonment of many labor organizers and resulting in a shift in the balance of power between workers and employers.

In recent years, Latah County has seen continued growth and development. The county's natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities have attracted new residents, while its vibrant arts and cultural scene have contributed to its unique identity. Today, Latah County remains a thriving and diverse community, with a rich history that continues to shape its present and future.

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

  • 1861: Latah County was established on January 14
  • 1871: Moscow, the county seat, was founded and became a bustling trade center
  • 1889: The University of Idaho was founded in Moscow
  • 1893: A major fire destroyed almost all of Moscow's buildings, but the town was quickly rebuilt
  • 1905: Potlatch was incorporated as a lumber town
  • 1910: The Lewiston and Moscow electric railway was completed, connecting the two cities
  • 1935: The Palouse River and Coulee City Railroad was completed, providing additional transportation options
  • 1941: The Farragut Naval Training Station was established near Athol, bringing a surge of population and economic activity
  • 1955: The Potlatch Corporation opened the Potlatch Mill in Lewiston, becoming one of the largest employers in the area
  • 1970: The University of Idaho Arboretum and Botanical Garden was created in Moscow
  • 1990: The expansion of the Palouse Mall in Moscow was completed, attracting more retail businesses