National Register Listing

Carnegie Library

a.k.a. FUH-56

Moscow Ave. between Troy Ave. and Third St., Hickman, KY
Local significance of the building:
Education; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
  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.

library
Audiobooks about the history of Kentucky.
Kentucky is known as the "Bluegrass State" because of the bluegrass that grows in many of its pastures.
Kentucky random facts
Fulton County, Kentucky has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The region was first inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Chickasaw and Shawnee nations. These indigenous peoples hunted and fished along the Mississippi River and its surrounding areas.

In the late 18th century, European settlers began to establish permanent settlements in what is now Fulton County. The area became part of the newly formed state of Kentucky in 1792. It was named after Robert Fulton, the inventor of the steamboat, as a tribute to his contributions to transportation.

During the 19th century, Fulton County played a crucial role in the development of steamboat transportation on the Mississippi River. The town of Hickman, located in Fulton County, became a major river port and trade hub. The steamboat industry brought economic prosperity to the area, as agricultural products from the surrounding farms were transported to markets all along the river.

In the early 20th century, Fulton County faced the challenges brought by the decline of steamboat transportation and the Great Depression. However, the construction of the Columbus-Belmont Bridge, connecting Kentucky and Missouri, provided a new avenue for trade and helped revive the local economy. Today, Fulton County remains a vibrant community that celebrates its history while embracing new opportunities for growth and development.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Fulton County, Kentucky.

  • 1780 - Fulton County, KY was established as a county in the state of Kentucky.
  • 1803 - Hickman, the county seat of Fulton County, was founded.
  • 1854 - The first bridge across the Mississippi River from Fulton County to Missouri was completed.
  • 1860 - The population of Fulton County reached its peak with over 10,000 residents.
  • 1874 - The county courthouse in Hickman was destroyed by fire, but was later rebuilt.
  • 1903 - The first railroad was built in Fulton County, connecting Hickman to nearby towns.
  • 1937 - A devastating flood caused significant damage to Fulton County, leading to the construction of levees.
  • 1942 - The United States government established the Camp Tyson military installation in Fulton County during World War II.
  • 2000 - The population of Fulton County declined to approximately 7,000 residents.