Schuyler Carnegie Library
a.k.a. Schuyler Public Library; CX06-39
1003 B St., Schuyler, NE Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2001.
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.
Nebraska - the land of endless horizons, where the spirit can soar and the heart can find peace.
The county's official establishment took place on February 15, 1869, when the Nebraska legislature passed an act creating Colfax County. It was named after Schuyler Colfax, who was the Vice President of the United States at that time. Early settlers faced challenges such as harsh weather conditions, limited transportation infrastructure, and conflicts with Native American tribes. The county's growth was further stimulated by the arrival of the Union Pacific Railroad in the 1870s, which facilitated trade and transportation.
Agriculture played a crucial role in the county's development, and farmers began cultivating a variety of crops, including corn, wheat, and soybeans. Alongside crop farming, livestock rearing, particularly cattle and swine, also became an important industry in Colfax County. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the county experienced a period of rapid population growth as more settlers arrived seeking opportunities in farming and related industries.
In the present day, Colfax County remains predominantly agricultural, but it has also diversified its economy with the addition of manufacturing and services sectors. The county is known for its strong sense of community and its annual events and festivals, such as the Colfax County Fair and Czech Days, which celebrate the cultural heritage of the area's early settlers. With its rich history, vibrant rural communities, and ongoing economic development, Colfax County continues to thrive and adapt to a changing world.
Colfax County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Colfax County, Nebraska.
- 1869 - Colfax County is established, named after Schuyler Colfax, who was the Vice President of the United States at the time.
- 1874 - The city of Schuyler is founded and becomes the county seat.
- 1880s - The railroad is completed, connecting Schuyler to other parts of Nebraska and facilitating trade and transportation.
- 1917 - The Schuyler Sugar Factory is established, becoming a significant economic driver for the county.
- 1940s - The population of Colfax County experiences a significant increase due to the influx of immigrants, particularly Czechs and Germans.
- 1965 - A tornado hits Schuyler, causing significant damage to the town and resulting in several fatalities.
- 1980s - The manufacturing and agriculture sectors of Colfax County's economy experience growth and diversification.
- 2008 - The Schuyler Central High School is built, serving as a modern educational facility for the county.
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