National Register Listing

Sisseton Carnegie Library

a.k.a. Pohlen Center;Heritage Museum of Roberts County

215 Oak St., E., Sisseton, SD
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Community Planning And Development

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1996.
  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.

library
Audiobooks about the history of South Dakota.
The Lewis and Clark expedition, which explored much of the western United States in the early 19th century, passed through what is now South Dakota.
South Dakota random facts
Roberts County, South Dakota is located in the northeastern part of the state, near North Dakota. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, primarily members of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate tribe. In the 1860s, European settlers began moving into the region, prompted by the prospect of available farmland and the construction of the railroad in the nearby area.

The county was officially organized in 1883 and named after S.G. Roberts, a prominent politician in the Dakota Territory. The town of Sisseton was established as the county seat. In the early years, agriculture played a crucial role in the county's economy, with settlers primarily engaging in farming and cattle raising.

Over time, the county experienced growth and development. The completion of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad in 1914 further boosted the local economy by improving transportation routes and connecting the area to larger markets. The county's population grew steadily during the early 20th century, with towns such as Summit and New Effington emerging as centers of commerce.

Like many rural areas in the United States, Roberts County faced challenges during the Great Depression and subsequent years. However, the county's agriculture-based economy remained resilient, and efforts to diversify the local economy eventually gained traction. Today, Roberts County is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including several lakes and wildlife refuges, and it continues to be a vibrant agricultural community with a rich history.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Roberts County, South Dakota.

  • 1862: Roberts County established.
  • 1878: First post office opened in Roberts County.
  • 1880: First courthouse built in Roberts County.
  • 1898: State Bank of Roberts County founded in Sisseton.
  • 1919: Dakota State Normal School, later known as Northern State Teachers College, opened in Sisseton.
  • 1925: Lake Traverse Indian Reservation established in Roberts County.
  • 1954: Agency Village incorporated as a town in Roberts County.
  • 1972: Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate tribal government headquarters established in Roberts County.
  • 1996: The Roberts County Courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places.