Redwood Falls Carnegie Library
334 S. Jefferson St., Redwood Falls, 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.
Minnesota is home to the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area, Lake Superior. It covers over 31,000 square miles and contains 10% of the world's fresh surface water.
In 1855, the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux was signed, opening up the area to white settlement. This led to a surge in population as immigrants from Europe, particularly Germany and Scandinavia, arrived in Redwood County to establish their homes and farms. Agriculture became the main industry, with the fertile soil providing favorable conditions for crop cultivation.
The county was officially established on March 5, 1862, and was named after the abundant Redwood trees that once covered the area. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Redwood County experienced steady growth and development. Railroads were built, connecting the county to larger cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul, facilitating the transportation of goods and people.
However, the area also faced challenges during this period. The devastating grasshopper plagues in the 1870s and the Great Depression in the 1930s both impacted the local economy and caused hardships for residents. Despite these setbacks, Redwood County's resilience and determination allowed it to recover and continue to thrive.
Today, Redwood County remains a predominantly agricultural region with a diverse community. Its rich history and natural beauty make it a popular destination for tourists seeking to explore its scenic landscapes and learn more about its heritage.
Redwood County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Redwood County, Minnesota.
- 1851 - Redwood County created by the Minnesota Territorial Legislature.
- 1852 - First settler, Joseph Lee Heywood, arrived in what is now Redwood Falls.
- 1855 - Redwood Falls surveyed and platted.
- 1862 - Sioux Uprising occurred in the area, resulting in the temporary evacuation of settlers.
- 1866 - Redwood County officially organized.
- 1867 - First newspaper, "The Redwood Gazette," established in Redwood Falls.
- 1870 - Redwood County's population reaches over 1,000.
- 1873 - First courthouse built in Redwood Falls.
- 1883 - Great Hinckley Fire affects Redwood County, causing substantial damage.
- 1895 - Redwood County Historical Society formed to preserve the county's history.
- 1900 - Redwood County's population reaches over 15,000.
- 1928 - Redwood County Courthouse replaced with a new building.
- 1975 - Lower Sioux Indian Reservation established in Redwood County.
- 1997 - Lower Sioux Agency Historic Site developed to serve as a cultural and educational center.
- 2007 - First wind farm in Redwood County constructed.
- 2019 - Redwood County celebrates its 168th anniversary.