National Register Listing

Fairfield Carnegie Library

a.k.a. CY05-004

412 N. D St., Fairfield, NE
Local significance of the building:
Education; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2001.
  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 architecture library
Nebraska's state motto is "Equality before the law."
Nebraska random facts
Clay County, located in Nebraska, has a rich history that dates back to the Indigenous peoples who inhabited the area long before European settlement. The Pawnee and Otoe tribes were the primary Native American groups who lived in the region and relied on the land for their sustenance and way of life.

The area that is now Clay County was first explored by Europeans in the early 1800s. The famous American explorer, Zebulon Pike, and his expedition passed through the area in 1806. However, it was not until the mid-1800s that the first permanent settlements were established. These early settlers, mostly of European descent, were attracted to the abundant land and fertile soil, which was perfect for agriculture.

In 1871, Clay County was officially organized, and the county seat was established in Clay Center. The county, named after Henry Clay, a famous American statesman, continued to grow as more settlers arrived, drawn to the promising agricultural opportunities. Grain farming, particularly corn and wheat, became the backbone of the local economy, with rural communities forming around the thriving farming industry.

Over the years, Clay County witnessed progress in transportation infrastructure, with the arrival of railroads in the late 1800s. The rail lines brought increased economic opportunities, allowing for easier transportation of goods and expansion of trade. The population grew steadily, and towns like Harvard and Sutton developed as essential economic and social centers within the county.

Today, Clay County remains an agricultural center, with farming and agribusiness continuing to play a vital role in its economy. The county's rich history and heritage are still celebrated through various festivals, museums, and historic sites that pay tribute to the Native American tribes and early pioneers who shaped the land and communities of Clay County.

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

  • 1854 - Clay County is established as a county in the Nebraska Territory.
  • 1857 - Clay County's first courthouse is built in the town of Grafton.
  • 1869 - Clay County's seat is moved to the newly established town of Fairfield.
  • 1870 - The town of Sutton is platted and becomes a prominent community in Clay County.
  • 1871 - The Burlington and Missouri River Railroad reaches Sutton, boosting the local economy.
  • 1876 - The Nebraska State Fair is held in Clay County for the first time, attracting thousands of visitors.
  • 1877 - The town of Clay Center is founded and becomes the second largest town in the county.
  • 1888 - An opera house is built in Sutton, providing a venue for cultural events and entertainment.
  • 1902 - The towns of Sutton, Clay Center, and Fairfield are connected by a new electric interurban railway.
  • 1935 - Clay County experiences severe drought and dust storms during the Great Depression.
  • 1965 - The town of Edgar is incorporated in Clay County.
  • 1970 - The Clay County Historical Society is founded to preserve the county's history.
  • 1993 - The Clay County Museum is established in Sutton to showcase the county's heritage.
  • 2000 - Clay County's population reaches its peak at over 7,000 residents.
  • 2019 - Clay County celebrates its 165th anniversary since its establishment.