Oregon City Carnegie Library
a.k.a. Oregon City Public Library
606 John Adams St., Oregon City, OR Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2014.
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.
The Tillamook Burn was a series of devastating wildfires that occurred in the Oregon Coast Range between 1933 and 1951. The fires burned over 355,000 acres of forest and led to the formation of the Tillamook State Forest.
In the early 19th century, European explorers and fur trappers arrived in the area, followed by the establishment of the Oregon Trail, a major route for settlers heading westward. Clackamas County was officially established on July 5, 1843, becoming one of the original four counties in the Oregon Territory. The county was named after the Clackamas tribe, who referred to themselves as the Clackamas Chinookan people.
During the mid-19th century, the county experienced rapid growth and development as settlers arrived in search of land and new opportunities. Agriculture played a crucial role in the region, with farms and orchards flourishing, and the Willamette River serving as a vital transportation route. The county also saw the establishment of several communities, including Oregon City, which became the first incorporated city west of the Rocky Mountains.
In the 20th century, Clackamas County underwent significant changes with the growth of the timber industry, attracting many logging and lumber companies. The construction of hydroelectric dams, such as the Clackamas River Hydroelectric Project, brought further industrial development to the region. Today, the county is known for its diverse landscapes, including forests, rivers, and mountains, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. It continues to thrive as a vibrant and thriving community, with a strong emphasis on preserving its environmental and cultural heritage.
Clackamas County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Clackamas County, Oregon.
- 1843 - Clackamas County is created as one of the original four districts in the Oregon Territory.
- 1844 - The first county seat, Oregon City, is established.
- 1853 - The Oregon City Bridge, the first suspension bridge on the West Coast, is completed.
- 1873 - Lake Oswego is incorporated as a town.
- 1912 - The Pacific Highway, connecting Oregon City and Portland, is completed.
- 1935 - Mount Hood National Forest is established, encompassing a large portion of Clackamas County.
- 1974 - Clackamas Town Center, the county's largest shopping mall, opens in Happy Valley.
- 1998 - The Clackamas County Event Center is constructed in Canby to host fairs, rodeos, and other events.
- 2017 - The Willamette Falls Locks, a historic navigation system, closes for repairs and restoration.
- 2020 - The Riverside Fire, one of Oregon's most destructive wildfires, burns through parts of Clackamas County.