National Register Listing

Hartington Carnegie Library

a.k.a. CD07-004

106 S. Broadway Ave., Hartington, NE
Local significance of the building:
Social History; Education

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2019.
  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.

social history education library
The Nebraska State Capitol building in Lincoln is one of the tallest state capitol buildings in the United States, standing at 400 feet tall.
Nebraska random facts
Cedar County, Nebraska has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Omaha, Otoe-Missouria, and Ponca tribes. The first European settlers arrived in the mid-19th century, drawn to the fertile land along the Cedar River.

In 1856, Cedar County was officially established and named after the Cedar River. The county quickly grew as more settlers arrived, attracted by the promise of cheap land and opportunities for agriculture. The town of St. James was initially designated as the county seat, but it was eventually moved to its current location in Hartington in 1885.

Throughout its history, agriculture has been the backbone of Cedar County's economy. The area is known for its productive soil, which has allowed for the cultivation of various crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat. Livestock farming, particularly cattle ranching, has also played a significant role in the county's agricultural industry.

Over the years, Cedar County has faced its fair share of challenges and triumphs. The construction of the railroad in the late 1800s brought increased connectivity and economic growth to the area. However, like many rural communities, Cedar County has also grappled with depopulation and the loss of small businesses.

Despite these challenges, Cedar County remains proud of its agricultural heritage and close-knit community. The county continues to celebrate its history through various events and attractions, including the Cedar County Fair, which showcases the area's agricultural and cultural traditions.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Cedar County, Nebraska.

  • 1855: Cedar County is established by the Nebraska Territorial Legislature.
  • 1860: St. James Catholic Church, the oldest standing church building in Nebraska, is constructed.
  • 1868: The town of Hartington is founded and becomes the county seat.
  • 1870: The Cedar County Courthouse is constructed in Hartington.
  • 1885: Burt Peterson becomes the first Cedar County resident to serve in the Nebraska Legislature.
  • 1892: The Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Omaha Railroad reaches Cedar County.
  • 1928: The Cedar County Historical Society is established.
  • 1946: The Hartington Municipal Airport is opened.
  • 1973: The Cedar County Fair celebrates its centennial.
  • 1997: The Cedar County Museum is opened.
  • 2006: The Nebraska Legislature designates the town of Laurel as the "Limestone Capital of Nebraska."