National Register Listing

St. Peter Carnegie Library

429 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter, MN
Local significance of the building:
Education

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
  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 library
Audiobooks about the history of Minnesota.
Minnesota is home to the largest ball of twine ever rolled by one person. Francis A. Johnson started rolling the ball in 1950 and continued to add to it until his death in 1989. The ball weighs over 17,000 pounds and has a circumference of 40 feet.
Minnesota random facts
Nicollet County, located in southwestern Minnesota, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Dakota Sioux. These indigenous people lived off the land, engaging in farming, hunting, and trading.

In the early 19th century, European settlers began arriving in the region, attracted by the fertile soil and potential for agricultural development. The township of Traverse des Sioux, located in present-day Nicollet County, emerged as an important trading post for fur traders and indigenous peoples. In 1851, the Traverse des Sioux Treaty was signed, ceding Native American land to the United States government and paving the way for further settlement.

Nicollet County was officially established on March 5, 1853, named after French explorer Joseph Nicollet. The county's first European settlers engaged in farming, primarily growing wheat, corn, and oats. As the region developed, small towns and villages such as St. Peter, North Star, and Lafayette sprang up, serving as centers of commerce and community for the local population.

Over the years, Nicollet County has seen significant growth and progress. The establishment of railroads in the late 19th century connected the county with larger markets, boosting economic opportunities. The county's economy thrived, with the agricultural sector expanding and the introduction of industrialization contributing to its prosperity. Today, Nicollet County continues to evolve, combining its rich history with modern developments and a strong sense of community.

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

  • 1853: Nicollet County is established on March 5.
  • 1854: The county's first courthouse is built in Traverse des Sioux.
  • 1857: St. Peter becomes the county seat.
  • 1862: The Dakota War of 1862 leads to conflict between settlers and the Dakota Sioux.
  • 1866: The county's second courthouse is built in St. Peter.
  • 1875: The State Asylum for the Insane, now known as the Minnesota Security Hospital, is established.
  • 1878: Gustavus Adolphus College is founded in St. Peter.
  • 1893: The county's third courthouse is completed in St. Peter.
  • 1904: The St. Peter State Hospital opens, later renamed the St. Peter Regional Treatment Center.
  • 1949: The construction of the Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway begins.
  • 1956: Floodwaters from the Minnesota River cause significant damage in St. Peter.
  • 1998: A tornado strikes St. Peter, causing extensive damage.