National Register Listing

Wellington Carnegie Library

121 W. Seventh, Wellington, 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.
The first successful oil well west of the Mississippi was drilled in 1860 in Neodesha, Kansas, which led to the state becoming a major oil producer in the early 20th century.
Kansas random facts
Sumner County in Kansas has a rich history dating back to the early Native American tribes that inhabited the area. The region was primarily inhabited by the Plains Indians, including the Osage and the Kiowa, prior to European settlement. In the early 19th century, French and Spanish traders began to explore the region, establishing trade routes and settlements along the Arkansas River.

The first permanent European-American settler arrived in Sumner County in 1854, and the area quickly saw an influx of settlers due to its fertile land and proximity to water sources. The county was officially established in 1867 and named after Charles Sumner, a prominent senator from Massachusetts known for his anti-slavery stance.

Sumner County played a significant role in the settlement of the American West. It was a popular stop for cattle drives along the Chisholm Trail, with the town of Wellington becoming a major cattle market. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century further fueled the growth of the county, attracting oil companies and workers to the area.

Over the years, Sumner County has seen its share of challenges and triumphs. It has weathered economic fluctuations, natural disasters, and the effects of various wars. Today, Sumner County continues to be an agricultural hub, known for its wheat and cattle production. It also boasts several historical sites and museums that showcase its fascinating past, making it a destination for history enthusiasts.

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

  • 1850: Sumner County established as part of the Kansas Territory.
  • 1870: Chisholm Trail becomes a major cattle route through the county.
  • 1871: Wellington becomes the county seat.
  • 1881: Railroads arrive in Sumner County, boosting economic development.
  • 1887: Belle Plaine becomes a major railroad hub in the county.
  • 1925: The infamous "Tri-State Tornado" causes significant damage in Sumner County.
  • 1930s: Sumner County, like the rest of the United States, faces the challenges of the Great Depression.
  • 1950s: The county experiences an agricultural boom, with new technologies and increased productivity.
  • 1978: The Kansas State Fair relocates from Hutchinson to near Caldwell in Sumner County.
  • 1999: A tornado strikes Mulvane and causes severe damage.