National Register Listing

Broken Bow Carnegie Library

a.k.a. CU05-61

255 S. 10th St., Broken Bow, NE
Local significance of the building:
Education

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1998.
  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
In 1888, Nebraska became the first state to hold a statewide referendum, in which citizens could vote directly on proposed laws.
Nebraska random facts
Custer County, located in central Nebraska, has a rich history that dates back to the mid-19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Pawnee and Sioux, who lived off the land and roamed the vast plains. In the 1860s, however, European settlers began to arrive, attracted by the promise of fertile soil and opportunities for homesteading.

The county's official establishment came in 1877 when it was named after General George Armstrong Custer, a famous military figure known for his role in the American Indian Wars. Custer County quickly grew as more settlers arrived, establishing towns and developing farms. Agriculture became the backbone of the local economy, with crops like corn, wheat, and alfalfa being grown, and cattle and sheep being raised.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries were marked by progress and growth in Custer County. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s played a significant role in opening up trade and transportation routes, further driving economic development. Towns like Broken Bow, the county seat, thrived as local businesses, schools, and infrastructure were established.

In recent decades, Custer County has continued to evolve, adapting to changing economic landscapes and embracing new technologies. While agriculture remains an important industry, the county has diversified its economy to include sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism. Today, Custer County is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and strong sense of community, reflecting the hard work and resilience of its residents throughout history.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Custer County, Nebraska.

  • 1873: Custer County was established on February 17.
  • 1880: The population of Custer County was 1,348.
  • 1883: Broken Bow became the county seat.
  • 1890: The population of Custer County reached 5,573.
  • 1904: The Union Pacific Railroad was completed in Custer County.
  • 1935: The Custer County Chief newspaper was founded.
  • 1944: The Ansley Dam was constructed on the Middle Loup River.
  • 1973: The Custer County Historical Society Museum was established.
  • 2000: The population of Custer County was 11,793.
  • 2010: The population of Custer County increased to 10,939.