National Register Listing

Colfax Carnegie Library

a.k.a. Colfax Public Library

207 S. Clark St., Colfax, IN
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Education

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1994.
  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 education library
The first public demonstration of the electric light bulb was given by Thomas Edison in Menlo Park, New Jersey, but the first practical incandescent light bulb was invented by Lewis Howard Latimer, who was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, but lived in Indiana for a time. Latimer was also the first African American to be employed as an engineer by the U.S. Patent Office.
Indiana random facts
Clinton County is located in the central part of the state of Indiana, with its county seat in Frankfort. The history of Clinton County dates back to the early 19th century when the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Miami and Delaware.

The county was officially established on March 1, 1830, and was named after DeWitt Clinton, the governor of New York who was instrumental in the construction of the Erie Canal. The first settlement in the county was made in 1828 by pioneers coming from Ohio. As the population grew, more settlers arrived, mainly from the eastern United States, and agriculture became the primary economic activity.

During the Civil War, Clinton County played an important role in supporting the Union. Many of its residents enlisted in the Union Army, and the county provided much-needed supplies and resources. After the war, the county experienced rapid growth and development, with the establishment of railroads and manufacturing industries.

In the 20th century, Clinton County faced economic challenges, particularly during the Great Depression. However, the construction of the Grissom Air Reserve Base in the 1950s brought new opportunities for economic stability and growth. Today, Clinton County is a thriving community known for its manufacturing and agricultural industries, as well as its strong sense of community pride and heritage.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Clinton County, Indiana.

  • 1830: Clinton County was organized, named after DeWitt Clinton, the governor of New York.
  • 1831: The county seat was established in Frankfort.
  • 1852: The first courthouse was built in Frankfort.
  • 1854: The railroad reached Frankfort, connecting the city to other parts of the state.
  • 1908: The Frankfort Public Library was established.
  • 1913: The first paved roads were constructed in Clinton County.
  • 1942-1945: Clinton County played a role in supporting World War II efforts, with the Frankfort Air Depot servicing and repairing aircraft.
  • 1998: A tornado caused significant damage in Clinton County, including Frankfort.