National Register Listing

Tekamah Carnegie Library

a.k.a. BT06-043

204 S. 13th St., Tekamah, NE
Local significance of the building:
Education

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2005.
  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
Nebraska was originally part of the Louisiana Purchase, which was a vast territory acquired by the United States from France in 1803.
Nebraska random facts
Burt County, Nebraska, located in the eastern part of the state, has a rich history dating back to the early 1800s. European settlement began in the 1840s when fur traders and Mormons traveled through the area. In 1854, the Kansas-Nebraska Act opened the region for settlement, attracting pioneers and homesteaders.

The county was officially established in 1854 and named after Francis Burt, the first governor of Nebraska Territory. During the mid-19th century, Burt County experienced significant growth and development as more settlers arrived. Towns like Decatur, Oakland, Tekamah, and Lyons emerged as agricultural and trading centers.

Burt County played a significant role in the development of the Nebraska Territory and the state of Nebraska. The town of Decatur, for example, was once a candidate for the territorial capital. However, with the designation of Omaha as the capital in 1857, Decatur's potential was hindered. Nevertheless, the county continued to thrive as agriculture became the primary industry, with crops like corn, wheat, hay, and livestock contributing to its economic growth.

Over the years, Burt County has faced challenges, such as the Great Depression and the decline of the agricultural industry. However, the community has shown resilience and adaptability. Today, Burt County maintains its rural character while also embracing modern developments and amenities. It preserves its history through museums, festivals, and landmarks, celebrating its rich heritage and the contributions of its early settlers.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Burt County, Nebraska.

  • 1854 - Burt County was established by the Nebraska Territorial Legislature.
  • 1856 - The first settlement, called Arizona, was established.
  • 1857 - The town of Decatur was laid out as the county seat.
  • 1869 - The first railroad, the Sioux City and Pacific Railroad, reached Decatur.
  • 1884 - The town of Lyons became the new county seat, replacing Decatur.
  • 1929 - The historic Burt County Courthouse in Lyons was completed.
  • 1947 - A fire destroyed much of Lyons, including several businesses and homes.
  • 1998 - Burt County celebrated its 150th anniversary.