Detroit Lakes Carnegie Library
a.k.a. Detroit Lakes Regional Library
1000 Washington Ave., Detroit Lakes, MN Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
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.
Minnesota was the first state to offer voter registration on the day of an election in 1974.
The first known European exploration of the area occurred in the 18th century when French fur traders and explorers ventured into the region. In the early 19th century, the United States acquired the territory through the Louisiana Purchase, and the first European-American settlers began arriving in the 1850s. The establishment of a trading post by Joseph and Charles Godfrey in 1854 marked the beginning of permanent settlement in what is now Becker County.
In 1858, the Minnesota Territory officially organized Becker County, naming it in honor of George Loomis Becker, a temporary judge in the area. The county grew rapidly in the late 19th century with the expansion of the railroad and the timber industry. Logging became a significant economic activity, attracting immigrants from Europe, particularly Scandinavia. Numerous sawmills were established, and the timber resources of the nearby forests were extensively exploited.
In the early 20th century, the county experienced a shift from logging to agriculture as the primary economic driver. Improved technology and transportation infrastructure encouraged farmers to cultivate crops and raise livestock. Today, Becker County remains an important agricultural region, known for its production of corn, soybeans, wheat, and dairy products. The county's natural beauty and numerous lakes also attract tourists who enjoy fishing, boating, and other recreational activities.
Becker County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Becker County, Minnesota.
- 1858 - Becker County is officially established as a county.
- 1866 - The city of Detroit is designated as the county seat.
- 1871 - The first courthouse is built in Detroit.
- 1872 - Minnesota and International Railway is completed, improving transportation in the county.
- 1875 - The Detroit Lakes railroad depot is constructed, further boosting transportation and trade.
- 1890 - White Earth Indian Reservation is established within the county.
- 1914 - Becker County is hit by a devastating fire known as the "Great Detroit Fire".
- 1920 - The White Earth State Forest is created to protect natural resources.
- 1934 - The Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge is established to preserve wildlife habitats.
- 1955 - The Becker County Museum is founded, showcasing the history and culture of the area.
- 1974 - The Becker County Historical Society is established to preserve and promote local history.
- 2010 - Detroit Lakes becomes the most populous city in Becker County.
- 2015 - The Becker County Historical Society expands its facilities to accommodate increased visitors.