National Register Listing

Downs Carnegie Library

504 S. Morgan, Downs, KS
Local significance of the building:
Education; Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
  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.

education architecture social history library
Audiobooks about the history of Kansas.
Kansas was named after the Kansa Native American tribe, which means "people of the south wind."
Kansas random facts
Osborne County, located in the state of Kansas, has a rich and diverse history dating back to the early 1800s. The region was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Kansa and Pawnee tribes, who relied on the fertile land along the Solomon River for their sustenance and livelihood.

In the mid-19th century, European settlers began arriving in the area, primarily for agricultural purposes. The establishment of the Homestead Act in 1862 attracted an influx of settlers to Osborne County, resulting in the formation of numerous farming communities. The county was officially organized in 1867 and named after Vincent B. Osborne, a Union Army captain who had served during the Civil War.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Osborne County experienced steady growth and development. The construction of railroads in the 1880s greatly improved transportation and brought new economic opportunities to the area. Agriculture, particularly wheat and livestock farming, became the backbone of the local economy, with several flourishing farming communities emerging throughout the county.

Throughout its history, Osborne County has faced challenges such as droughts, economic downturns, and depopulation. However, the resilience and perseverance of the local community have allowed the county to rebound and adapt to changing circumstances. Today, Osborne County continues to be a vibrant rural community, with agriculture still playing a significant role in its economy, along with other industries such as manufacturing and healthcare. The county's rich history is celebrated through various historical sites and annual events that honor its heritage.

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

  • 1867: Osborne County is established as a county in Kansas.
  • 1868: The town of Osborne is founded.
  • 1872: The first post office is established in Osborne County.
  • 1873: The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway reaches Osborne.
  • 1880: The population of Osborne County reaches over 3,000.
  • 1884: The Osborne County Courthouse is built.
  • 1892: The State Bank of Osborne, the first bank in the county, opens.
  • 1908: The Osborne American newspaper begins publication.
  • 1910: The population of Osborne County peaks at over 9,000.
  • 1932: The Dust Bowl causes severe damage to agriculture in Osborne County.
  • 1973: The Osborne County Historical Museum is established.
  • 2007: The city of Osborne celebrates its 140th anniversary.