Coleraine Carnegie Library
Clemson and Cole Aves., S., Coleraine, MN Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
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.
The first successful commercial shipment of wheat from the Great Plains to Europe was made in 1871 from Minneapolis.
In the late 19th century, European settlers arrived in Itasca County, drawn by the discovery of iron ore deposits. The mining industry quickly boomed, attracting thousands of people to the area in search of wealth. As a result, towns such as Grand Rapids and Coleraine were established as mining communities, with railroads built to transport the extracted ore.
During the early 20th century, Itasca County faced challenges and changes with the decline of the mining industry. However, the establishment of the Chippewa National Forest in 1908 provided a new avenue for economic growth through logging and tourism. The forest's abundant resources and scenic beauty attracted visitors and provided jobs for local residents.
In the subsequent decades, Itasca County continued to adapt and develop. The opening of the Itasca State Park in 1891, featuring the headwaters of the Mississippi River, attracted tourists and brought further attention to the county. Today, Itasca County is a vibrant community that celebrates its history while embracing new opportunities in industries such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing.
Itasca County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Itasca County, Minnesota.
- 1840s-1850s: The area that would become Itasca County is explored by European fur traders and trappers.
- 1855: Treaty of Washington is signed, leading to the establishment of the Leech Lake and Lake Winnebigoshish Indian Reservations within present-day Itasca County.
- 1871: Logging operations begin in the county, exploiting the region's abundant pine forests.
- 1879: The community of Grand Rapids is founded, becoming the county seat of Itasca County.
- 1891: The village of Deer River is incorporated.
- 1901: The first iron ore mine in the county, the Jessie Mine, begins production near the community of Pengilly.
- 1903: The city of Cohasset is incorporated.
- 1923: Itasca State Park is established, showcasing the headwaters of the Mississippi River.
- 1930s-1940s: The Great Depression and World War II have a significant impact on the logging and mining industries in Itasca County.
- 1960s: The opening of the Blandin Paper Company's paper mill in Grand Rapids brings a new era of economic growth to the county.
- 1980s: The mining industry experiences a decline, leading to layoffs and economic challenges for Itasca County.
- 2008: The Great Recession hits Itasca County, causing an increase in unemployment rates.
- Present: Itasca County continues to be known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and diverse economy.