National Register Listing

Montevideo Carnegie Library

125 N. 3rd St., Montevideo, MN
Local significance of the building:
Education; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
  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
Audiobooks about the history of Minnesota.
Minnesota was named after the Minnesota River, which got its name from the Dakota Sioux word "Mnisota," meaning "sky-tinted water."
Minnesota random facts
Chippewa County, located in southwestern Minnesota, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Prior to European settlement, the land was inhabited by several indigenous groups, including the Dakota and Ojibwe peoples. These native communities thrived in the area, relying on hunting, fishing, and agriculture for their livelihoods.

The first documented European exploration of Chippewa County occurred in the early 1800s when fur traders and explorers ventured into the region. In 1862, conflict erupted between settlers and Dakota tribes in what became known as the Dakota War. This event had a significant impact on the county, spurring the forced removal of many Dakota people, and resulting in the loss of lives and destruction of settlements.

After the conflict, Chippewa County experienced a surge of European immigration, particularly from Scandinavian countries. These immigrants, drawn to the promise of fertile farmland, established numerous homesteads and began farming the land. Towns and communities gradually sprang up, including Montevideo, the county seat, which was founded in 1871.

In the 20th century, Chippewa County continued to thrive as an agricultural hub, with farming playing a central role in the local economy. The construction of railroads and roads further connected the county to the rest of the state, facilitating trade and transportation. Today, Chippewa County remains a vibrant and close-knit community, blending its heritage with modern development and serving as a testament to the perseverance and resilience of its residents.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Chippewa County, Minnesota.

  • 1855 - Chippewa County formed from parts of Dakota and Pierce counties in Minnesota Territory
  • 1862 - US-Dakota War breaks out, impacting the region
  • 1870 - First post office established in Chippewa County
  • 1871 - The village of Montevideo laid out and becomes county seat
  • 1872 - Chippewa County's first courthouse built in Montevideo
  • 1873 - Chippewa County officially organized with government officials
  • 1880 - Railroad reaches Montevideo, boosting the local economy
  • 1890 - Population of Chippewa County reaches over 5,000 residents
  • 1897 - Granite Falls becomes an incorporated city in Chippewa County
  • 1930s - Great Depression impacts the county, leading to economic challenges
  • 1970s - Construction of Upper Sioux Agency State Park begins
  • 1990s - Chippewa County experiences population decline