National Register Listing

Carnegie Library

240 Goundry St., North Tonawanda, NY
Local significance of the building:
Education; Social History; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1995.
  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 social history architecture library
The first-ever recorded baseball game was played in Hoboken, New Jersey, but the modern rules of the game were established in New York City in 1845 by the New York Knickerbocker Baseball Club.
New York random facts
Niagara County, located in western New York, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Iroquois, Seneca, and Tuscarora. They utilized the region's abundant natural resources and lived in harmony with the land. European exploration of the area began in the 17th century with French explorers, followed by British and American settlers.

In the 18th century, the area was an important battleground during the French and Indian War, with both British and French forces vying for control. The British ultimately gained control of the region, and it became part of the Province of New York. Following the American Revolution, Niagara County was established in 1808 as one of the original counties of the state.

The construction of the Erie Canal in the early 19th century played a significant role in shaping the county's history. The canal opened up trade and transportation routes, leading to increased settlement and economic growth. The Niagara Falls became a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world.

Throughout the 20th century, Niagara County experienced industrial development, particularly in the manufacturing and chemical industries. However, the area also faced challenges such as economic downturns and environmental concerns. Efforts have been made in recent years to revitalize the region's economy and promote sustainable practices.

Today, Niagara County continues to be a vibrant area with diverse industries, cultural attractions, and natural beauty. It remains a popular destination for tourists, with attractions like Niagara Falls, historic sites, and wineries. The county's history is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its residents, who have continued to shape and define the region over the centuries.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Niagara County, New York.

  • 1678 - French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle claims the Niagara region for France
  • 1721 - The French establish the first trading post in the area, known as Fort Niagara
  • 1764 - British forces capture Fort Niagara during the French and Indian War
  • 1781 - The Sullivan Expedition passes through the region during the American Revolution, destroying Native American villages
  • 1783 - The Treaty of Paris is signed, ending the American Revolution and ceding the region to the newly-formed United States
  • 1808 - Niagara County is established as a county in New York State
  • 1829 - The Erie Canal is completed, connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean and bringing increased trade and development to the region
  • 1856 - The Niagara Falls Suspension Bridge, the first bridge across the Niagara River, is completed
  • 1885 - The Niagara Power Company begins generating electricity using the Niagara Falls, marking the beginning of the region's role in hydroelectric power
  • 1927 - The Water Pollution Control Laboratory is established in Niagara County, becoming a leader in water pollution research
  • 1956 - The construction of the Niagara Power Project begins, later becoming one of the largest hydroelectric power plants in the United States
  • 1996 - The Niagara Wine Trail is established, promoting the region's growing wine industry
  • 2003 - The Seneca Niagara Casino opens, bringing tourism and gaming to the area