National Register Listing

Yates Center Carnegie Library

218 N. Main, Yates Center, 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
Kansas was named after the Kansa Native American tribe, which means "people of the south wind."
Kansas random facts
Woodson County, Kansas is located in the southeastern part of the state, and its history dates back to the mid-19th century. The county was named after Daniel Woodson, the secretary of the Kansas Territory. The region was initially settled by Native American tribes, including the Osage and the Kanza, with whom peaceful relations were maintained.

The influx of Euro-American settlers began in the 1850s during the territorial period. Woodson County was officially established in 1855, and the town of Neosho Falls became the county seat. The area primarily relied on agriculture, with farms and ranches covering the fertile land. The county's proximity to the Verdigris River further boosted its agricultural potential.

During the Civil War, tensions ran high in Kansas due to the conflict between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions. Woodson County saw some skirmishes, but it remained relatively peaceful compared to other parts of the state. After the war, the county continued to grow as more settlers arrived and established homesteads.

The early 20th century witnessed significant development in Woodson County, with the arrival of the railroad in the 1880s. This transportation infrastructure facilitated trade and brought economic growth to the region. However, like many rural areas, the county also faced challenges such as the Great Depression and the decline of the agricultural industry.

Today, Woodson County has a small population and remains predominantly rural. The county's rich history is preserved in various historical sites, including Neosho Falls, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The community continues to promote its agricultural heritage while embracing modern developments and industries.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Woodson County, Kansas.

  • 1855 - Woodson County established as a political subdivision of Kansas Territory.
  • 1857 - County named in honor of Daniel Woodson, Secretary of the Kansas Territory.
  • 1861 - Woodson County becomes officially recognized as a county within the state of Kansas.
  • 1871 - The first railroad, the Missouri Pacific, reaches Woodson County.
  • 1875 - Yates Center becomes the county seat.
  • 1887 - Kansas Legislature establishes the Woodson County State Lake as a public fishing and hunting area.
  • 1916 - Neosho State Fishing Lake, adjacent to Woodson County, is completed.
  • 1930 - Construction begins on the Woodson County Courthouse in Yates Center.
  • 1962 - Yates Center High School opens.
  • 1977 - Woodson County State Fishing Lake is renamed to Woodson State Fishing Lake.
  • 1997 - The town of Toronto is severely damaged by a tornado.