Wallace Carnegie Library
City Park, Wallace, ID Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1981.
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.
Idaho is a culture, it's not a commodity.
The arrival of European settlers in the 19th century brought significant changes to Shoshone County. In the mid-1800s, the discovery of gold attracted thousands of miners to the region, leading to the establishment of mining communities like Murray and Burke. These towns experienced rapid growth as mining activities boomed, and the county became a major producer of gold, silver, lead, and zinc.
The mining industry continued to be the backbone of Shoshone County's economy throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Companies like the Bunker Hill Mining Company and the Sunshine Mining Company operated large-scale mining operations in the area, employing thousands of workers. However, the county also faced numerous challenges, including labor disputes and the fluctuating prices of minerals, which led to economic downturns and recessions.
In recent decades, the mining industry has declined, and Shoshone County has had to adapt to new economic realities. The county now focuses on a diversified economy, including tourism, outdoor recreation, and small-scale agriculture. Today, Shoshone County is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including the stunning Silver Valley, and its rich cultural heritage. The county has preserved historic buildings and sites, attracting visitors interested in its history and offering opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and skiing.
Shoshone County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Shoshone County, Idaho.
- 1805 - The Lewis and Clark expedition passes through the area.
- 1824 - The fur trade brings trappers and traders to the region.
- 1860 - Gold is discovered in the region, leading to a gold rush.
- 1861 - Shoshone County is established as one of the first counties in Idaho Territory.
- 1884 - The town of Wallace is founded and becomes the county seat.
- 1887 - The Bunker Hill and Sullivan Mine is established, becoming one of the largest silver mines in the world.
- 1910 - The great fires of 1910 devastate the area, including several towns in Shoshone County.
- 1930s - The mining industry declines, leading to an economic downturn.
- 1980s - Environmental concerns and the closure of mines further impact the county's economy.
- Present - Shoshone County remains a rural area with a diverse economy centered around tourism, timber, and recreation.
Online RSVP, Simplified
- Start free, set up in minutes
- Send invites instantly
- Real-time response analytics
- Clean, ad-free experience