National Register Listing

Devils Lake Carnegie Library

a.k.a. 32RY319

623 4th Ave., Devils Lake, ND
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Education; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2002.
  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.

architecture education social history library
Audiobooks about the history of North Dakota.
North Dakota was the birthplace of several famous figures, including author Louis L'Amour, entrepreneur Harold Hamm, and actress Angie Dickinson.
North Dakota random facts
Ramsey County, North Dakota, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Dakota Sioux and Ojibwe, who utilized the land for hunting and fishing. In the early 1800s, European fur trappers and traders began exploring the region, establishing trade routes along the Red River.

In 1871, Captain William H. Jackman established a trading post near the confluence of the Pembina and Red Rivers, which later became the town of St. Paul, the first permanent settlement in the area. The arrival of the Great Northern Railway in 1882 fostered further growth and development in the county, with new towns such as Devils Lake and Egeland popping up.

The late 19th century brought significant change to Ramsey County. It was officially organized in 1883 and named after Alexander Ramsey, who served as both the territorial governor of Minnesota and the Secretary of War under President Rutherford B. Hayes. The county experienced an agricultural boom with the introduction of new farming techniques and machinery, attracting settlers from all over the country.

Ramsey County played a significant role in world history during World War II. The county was home to the Ramsey County Army Airfield, which was used for training B-25 bomber crews. The airfield was instrumental in preparing airmen for combat, and its impact can still be felt in the community today.

Throughout its history, Ramsey County has faced both challenges and triumphs, but it remains a vibrant and resilient community. Today, the county continues to thrive with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing, while also preserving its historical landmarks and rich cultural heritage.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Ramsey County, North Dakota.

  • Ramsey County, ND is established in 1873.
  • In 1881, the city of Devils Lake is founded.
  • The Great Northern Railway reaches Devils Lake in 1882.
  • Devils Lake becomes the county seat in 1883.
  • In 1891, the county experiences a devastating fire which destroys much of the city of Devils Lake.
  • The Devils Lake region becomes an agricultural hub in the early 1900s.
  • In 1943, Camp Grafton is established as a military training center in Ramsey County.
  • The Devils Lake Basin experiences severe flooding in 1997, causing significant damage to the area.
  • In 2003, the Spirit Lake Nation breaks ground for a new casino in Devils Lake.
  • Ramsey County celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2009.