Vermillion-Andrew Carnegie Library
a.k.a. Old Library
12 Church St., Vermillion, SD Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
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 first airplane to fly over the North Pole was piloted by South Dakota native Richard E. Byrd.
During the 1800s, European settlers began to arrive in Clay County. In 1859, the Vermillion River was dammed, creating Lake Vermillion and attracting more settlers to the area. The town of Vermillion was founded shortly afterward, becoming the county seat of Clay County in 1862. The discovery of gold in the nearby Black Hills in the 1870s further spurred growth and development in the region.
Clay County played a significant role in the development of the territory and later the state of South Dakota. It became a major transportation hub with the arrival of the railroad in the 1880s, connecting Vermillion to other parts of the country. The establishment of the University of South Dakota in Vermillion in 1882 added to the county's cultural and educational landscape.
Throughout the years, Clay County has experienced both prosperity and challenges. The agricultural industry, particularly corn and soybean farming, has been the backbone of the county's economy. However, like many other rural areas, Clay County has faced the issues of depopulation and economic decline in recent decades. Efforts are being made to revitalize the region, including promoting tourism, supporting local businesses, and attracting new residents.
Despite its ups and downs, Clay County maintains its historical charm and sense of community. The area's Native American heritage, pioneer spirit, and connection to education continue to shape its identity. Residents and visitors alike can explore the county's museums, historical landmarks, and natural beauty, providing a glimpse into its past and a promising future.
Clay County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Clay County, South Dakota.
- 1857 - Clay County is established by the Dakota Territorial Legislature.
- 1862 - The Dakota War, also known as the Sioux Uprising, takes place, affecting the area that would become Clay County.
- 1873 - Vermillion becomes the county seat of Clay County.
- 1877 - The University of South Dakota is established in Vermillion.
- 1882 - The Sioux City and Pacific Railroad is completed, connecting Vermillion to Sioux City, Iowa.
- 1883 - Vermillion is incorporated as a city.
- 1893 - Vermillion is devastated by a major fire that destroys 53 buildings.
- 1903 - Clay County Courthouse is built in Vermillion.
- 1910 - Vermillion reaches its peak population of over 4,000 residents.
- 1927 - The Missouri River Flood causes significant damage to Vermillion.
- 1946 - The National Music Museum, originally known as the Shrine to Music Museum, is founded in Vermillion.
- 1963 - The University of South Dakota’s basketball team, Coyotes, win the NCAA College Division national championship.
- 1972 - The W.H. Over Museum is established in Vermillion.
- 1997 - The "Blizzard of '97" hits Clay County and causes widespread power outages.