National Register Listing

Hutchinson Carnegie Library

a.k.a. Hutchinson Public Library

Main St., Hutchinson, MN
Local significance of the building:
Education; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
  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
The Mayo Clinic, a world-renowned medical center, was founded in Rochester, Minnesota in 1864.
Minnesota random facts
McLeod County, located in the state of Minnesota, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Dakota Sioux and Ojibwe, who relied on the land's resources for survival.

The first European settlers arrived in the mid-19th century, following the signing of treaties with the Native Americans, and the county was officially established in 1856. The name "McLeod" was chosen in honor of Martin McLeod, an early settler and territorial legislator. The county's location along the Minnesota River played a significant role in its development, as it allowed for transportation and trade.

Agriculture quickly became the backbone of the county's economy, with farmers cultivating crops such as wheat, corn, and oats. The availability of fertile land attracted more settlers, particularly immigrants from Germany and Scandinavia. The growth of farming communities led to the establishment of towns like Hutchinson, Brownton, and Silver Lake, which served as important hubs for commerce and social gatherings.

In addition to agriculture, the county also experienced industrial expansion during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Several manufacturing plants, such as the Hutchinson Manufacturing Company, opened their doors in McLeod County, contributing to its economic prosperity. Over the years, the county has continued to evolve and adapt to new challenges and opportunities, while preserving its agricultural heritage and small-town charm.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of McLeod County, Minnesota.

  • 1856 - McLeod County was established on March 1, 1856.
  • 1869 - Hutchinson, the county seat, was platted in 1869.
  • 1884 - The first high school was established in McLeod County in 1884.
  • 1893 - The Glencoe Opera House was built in 1893.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression affected McLeod County, leading to economic challenges.
  • 1940s-1950s - The introduction of rural electricity and telephone services improved living conditions in the county.
  • 1980s - McLeod County experienced agricultural difficulties due to falling crop prices.
  • 2001 - The McLeod County Historical Society was formed in 2001.
  • 2006 - The McLeod County Courthouse underwent significant renovations in 2006.