Phillips County Carnegie Library
S. 1st St., Malta, MT 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 town of Philipsburg, Montana, is known for its sapphire mining, with some of the best sapphires in the world being found in the surrounding mountains. Visitors can go gemstone hunting and visit the local sapphire museum to learn about the history of mining in the area.
European exploration of the area began in the early 1800s, with fur traders and explorers venturing into the region. The Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through the area in 1805, opening up the area for further exploration and settlement. In the late 1800s, the discovery of gold in nearby areas brought an influx of miners and prospectors to the region, including Phillips County.
Phillips County was officially established on February 5, 1915, and was named after Benjamin D. Phillips, an early pioneer and Montana senator. The county was primarily agricultural, with farming and ranching being the main economic activities. Wheat, barley, and livestock were the primary sources of income for many residents. Small towns and communities began to develop, serving as centers for commerce and socialization.
Over the years, Phillips County has experienced both economic growth and decline. The Great Depression brought hardships to the region, but the development of irrigation projects in the mid-1900s helped to boost the agricultural industry. Today, Phillips County continues to be a rural area with a small population, but it remains an important part of Montana's history and landscape.
Phillips County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Phillips County, Montana.
- 1871 - Phillips County established as a part of Choteau County.
- 1887 - Phillips County officially organized and named after rancher and politician, Benjamin D. Phillips.
- 1913 - Dodson becomes the county seat of Phillips County.
- 1915 - Land Rush on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation attracts settlers to the area.
- 1922 - Introduction of the Great Northern Railway opens up transportation opportunities for the county.
- 1924 - Malta becomes the new county seat, replacing Dodson.
- 1929 - Fort Peck Dam construction begins, bringing employment opportunities to the county.
- 1936 - Fort Peck Dam completed, becoming the largest hydraulically filled dam in the world at the time.
- 1943 - Phillips County Museum established in Malta to preserve the county's history.
- 1959 - Phillips County Historical Society founded to further promote and preserve local history.
- 1990 - Malta hosts the first annual "Rocky Boy's Native American Celebration" to celebrate Native American culture.
- 2004 - Phillips County celebrates its centennial anniversary as an organized county.