National Register Listing

Somerset City School and Carnegie Library

300 College St., Somerset, KY
Local significance of the building:
Education; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
  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 library
Kentucky is home to Mammoth Cave National Park, the world's longest known cave system with over 400 miles of explored passages.
Kentucky random facts
Pulaski County, Kentucky is a county located in the southeastern part of the state. It was established on December 10, 1798, and named after Casimir Pulaski, a Polish hero of the American Revolution. The area that is now Pulaski County was originally home to Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Shawnee.

In the early 19th century, settlers began to move into the area, attracted by the rich natural resources and fertile land. The arrival of the railroad in the 1860s brought further growth and development to the county, as it facilitated transportation of goods and people. Agriculture played a major role in the county's economy, with tobacco, corn, and wheat being the primary crops.

During the American Civil War, Pulaski County was divided in its loyalties, with some residents supporting the Union and others the Confederacy. The county experienced several skirmishes and raids, including the Battle of Mill Springs in 1862, which was a Union victory and helped secure control over eastern Kentucky.

In the 20th century, Pulaski County experienced significant industrial growth and economic diversification. The construction of Lake Cumberland in the 1950s provided opportunities for recreation and tourism, as well as hydroelectric power generation. Today, the county is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreational activities, and vibrant communities.

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

  • Pulaski County, KY was formed on December 10, 1798.
  • In 1800, the county's first courthouse was built in a small town called Mill Springs.
  • The county saw significant growth in the mid-1800s with the arrival of the railroad in 1869.
  • In 1927, the Wolf Creek Dam was completed, creating Lake Cumberland and becoming a major attraction for tourism in the area.
  • During the 20th century, Pulaski County experienced several devastating floods, including the catastrophic flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma in 2017.
  • Pulaski County remains an important agricultural and manufacturing center in Kentucky.