Sterling Free Public Carnegie Library
132 N. Broadway, Sterling, KS Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
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.
Kansas was named after the Kansa Native American tribe, which means "people of the south wind."
The county was officially established on February 26, 1867, and was named after Samuel Allen Rice, a Brigadier General in the American Civil War. The early settlers faced challenges such as limited resources and harsh weather conditions, but with perseverance and hard work, they managed to develop thriving communities.
One significant event in Rice County's history is the arrival of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway in the late 19th century. This led to a boom in population and commerce, as the railway brought much-needed transportation and encouraged further settlement in the area. The towns of Lyons and Sterling emerged as important railway hubs, attracting businesses, industries, and new residents.
As with many rural communities, agriculture played a vital role in shaping Rice County's history. Wheat, corn, and sorghum became the main crops grown in the region, and several flour mills and grain elevators were established to support the local economy. Today, agriculture remains a significant industry in the county, with farmers utilizing advanced technologies to maximize productivity.
In summary, Rice County, Kansas, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in the late 1800s. The area has seen the influence of Native American tribes, the impact of the railway, and the growth of agriculture as cornerstones of its development. Today, Rice County continues to thrive as a vibrant community, preserving its past while embracing a promising future.
Rice County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Rice County, Kansas.
- 1855 - The Kansas Territory is organized, including what is now Rice County.
- 1867 - Rice County is officially established and named after Samuel A. Rice, a Union Army officer.
- 1878 - The town of Lyons is founded as the county seat.
- 1887 - The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway reaches Rice County, boosting the local economy.
- 1909 - The city of Sterling is incorporated.
- 1937 - The Dust Bowl severely affects Rice County, leading to soil erosion and agricultural challenges.
- 1959 - Kanopolis State Park is established, providing recreational opportunities for locals and visitors.
- 1975 - The Central Kansas Extension District is formed, offering educational programs to the residents.
- 1996 - The Commission on the Status of Women in Rice County is established to promote gender equality.