Carnegie Library

Historical marker location:
701 West Main Street, Lewistown, Montana
( Marker is on West Main Street (U.S. 87) near 7th Avenue North, on the left when traveling west.)

Courthouse Historic District

  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.

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The state of Montana has a unique political culture, with a strong tradition of individualism and libertarianism. The state has a low population density and a large rural population, which has contributed to a strong sense of localism and self-reliance. Montana has often been a bellwether state for political trends in the United States, and its elections have been closely watched by political analysts.
Fergus County, Montana has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Assiniboine and Gros Ventre tribes. However, the first recorded European presence in the area came in the early 1800s, when fur traders and explorers such as the Lewis and Clark expedition began to explore the region.

In 1864, Fergus County was officially established and named after James Fergus, a Montana pioneer and politician. The area experienced rapid growth during the late 1800s, fueled by the discovery of gold in the nearby Judith Mountains. The resulting gold rush attracted thousands of prospectors and settlers to the area, leading to the creation of towns like Lewistown, the current county seat.

During this time, cattle ranching also became a prominent industry in Fergus County. Large ranches were established throughout the county, and cattle drives became a common sight on the open range. The town of Lewistown became a bustling hub for ranchers and served as a center for trade and commerce.

In the 20th century, Fergus County continued to develop and grow. The construction of railways in the early 1900s greatly improved transportation and opened up new opportunities for the county. Today, Fergus County remains an important agricultural center, with ranching and farming still playing a significant role in its economy. The county also attracts visitors with its scenic landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and rich historical heritage.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Fergus County, Montana.

  • 1833 - The first known exploration of Fergus County by trapper and explorer François Antoine Larocque.
  • 1864 - Gold discovered in the area, leading to a significant influx of miners and settlers.
  • 1885 - Fergus County officially established as a county in the Montana Territory.
  • 1886 - The city of Lewistown is named county seat of Fergus County.
  • 1887 - The first courthouse in Fergus County is completed.
  • 1900 - The population of Fergus County reaches over 10,000.
  • 1913 - The Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, later renamed Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, a multi-purpose arena, is opened on the Montana State University campus.
  • 1914 - The Great Northern Railway reaches Lewistown, bringing increased economic opportunities for Fergus County.
  • 1929 - The stock market crash and the onset of the Great Depression impact the economy of Fergus County.
  • 1935 - The Civilian Conservation Corps establishes Camp Lewistown, providing employment and environmental conservation efforts during the Great Depression.
  • 1941-1945 - Fergus County residents serve in World War II, contributing to the war effort.
  • 1957 - The Lewistown Municipal Airport is constructed, improving access to and from Fergus County.
  • 1995 - The Judith River Dinosaur Institute is established in Fergus County, attracting paleontologists and researchers from around the world.
  • 2010 - The population of Fergus County is around 11,586.