Greenup Township Carnegie Library
Historical marker location: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 Chicago River was famously dyed green for the first time in 1962 to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. The tradition has continued every year since then, and now the river is dyed green for the holiday using an eco-friendly vegetable dye.
In 1843, Cumberland County was officially established and named after the Cumberland Road, an important transportation route that ran through the county. The county seat, Toledo, was chosen and soon became a hub for trade and commerce in the region. Agriculture played a vital role in the early economy, with settlers cultivating crops such as corn, wheat, and tobacco.
Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Cumberland County experienced periods of growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further connected the county to other parts of Illinois and facilitated the transportation of goods and people.
In the early 20th century, Cumberland County saw an increase in oil drilling activity, which brought economic prosperity to the area. Numerous oil wells were drilled, and the industry became a significant part of the county's economy. Today, Cumberland County continues to be primarily rural, with agriculture as the main industry, while also embracing modern developments in technology and industry.
Cumberland County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Cumberland County, Illinois.
- 1818: Cumberland County is established as part of the Illinois Territory.
- 1820: First permanent settlers arrive in the county.
- 1826: The first county courthouse is built in Toledo.
- 1852: County seat is moved from Toledo to Greenup.
- 1858: The Charleston and Mattoon Railroad is completed, improving transportation in the county.
- 1861-1865: Cumberland County residents serve in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
- 1872: Cumberland County suffers from a devastating tornado outbreak.
- 1906: Oil is discovered in the county, leading to a boom in oil production.
- 1930s: The Great Depression impacts the county's economy.
- 1946: Cumberland County Memorial Airport is opened.
- 1950s-1970s: The county experiences a decline in population due to economic changes.
- 1990s-2000s: Agriculture becomes the dominant industry in Cumberland County.