Winfield Public Carnegie Library
1001 Millington St., Winfield, KS Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
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.
The state bird of Kansas is the western meadowlark, which is known for its distinctive song.
In the early 1800s, European settlers began to move into the area. The Treaty of Castor Hill in 1808 opened up the region to settlement, with many pioneers coming from Missouri and eastern states. The first permanent settlement in Cowley County was made in 1868, and in 1870, the county was established with Winfield as its seat.
Cowley County played a significant role in the development of the cattle industry in the late 1800s. Ranchers in the area took advantage of the open prairies to graze and raise cattle, leading to the establishment of numerous cattle towns, such as Akron and Silverdale. The Chisholm Trail, a major cattle trail that ran through the county, brought cowboys and livestock from Texas to Kansas and eventually to railheads in the north.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the growth of agriculture as the dominant industry in Cowley County. Farmers took advantage of the fertile soil and favorable climate to grow crops such as wheat, corn, and soybeans. The development of irrigation systems and improved farming techniques further contributed to the prosperity of the agricultural sector.
Today, Cowley County continues to be known for its agricultural heritage, as well as its vibrant arts community and outdoor recreational opportunities. The county is home to numerous festivals and events that celebrate its history and culture, including the Walnut Valley Festival, which highlights traditional folk and bluegrass music. With its rich history and natural beauty, Cowley County remains an important and cherished part of Kansas.
Cowley County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Cowley County, Kansas.
- 1601 - The area of present-day Cowley County is inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Osage and Sioux.
- 1825 - The land of Cowley County becomes part of the territory acquired by the United States through the Treaty of St. Louis.
- 1860 - The first permanent settlers begin arriving in Cowley County after the passage of the Homestead Act.
- 1867 - The region is officially organized as Cowley County, named after Matthew Cowley, a prominent local cattleman.
- 1870 - The City of Winfield is founded as the county seat of Cowley County.
- 1872 - The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway reaches Cowley County, boosting economic development in the area.
- 1874 - Cowley County experiences a major influx of settlers, primarily from the eastern United States and Europe.
- 1885 - The first oil well is drilled in Cowley County, marking the beginning of the local oil industry.
- 1938 - Cowley County Community College is established in Arkansas City, providing higher education opportunities for local residents.
- 2005 - Cowley County celebrates its 138th anniversary with various community events and festivities.