Yankton Carnegie Library
a.k.a. Lewis and Clark Mental Health Center
4th and Capitol Sts., Yankton, SD Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
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 famous Wild West outlaw, Calamity Jane, lived and worked in South Dakota for a time. She even claimed to have saved the life of legendary gunslinger Wild Bill Hickok in the town of Deadwood.
In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase brought the region under the control of the United States, and the Lewis and Clark expedition passed through what is now Yankton County in 1804. This led to increased American presence in the area, and in 1859, Yankton was officially designated as the capital of the Dakota Territory. The County was established in 1862, during the early stages of the American Civil War.
Yankton County played a significant role in the development of the Dakotas. It served as the territorial capital until 1889 when South Dakota became a state. The county saw rapid growth during this time, with the construction of railroads and the establishment of businesses. Agriculture, including farming and livestock, formed the backbone of the local economy, and Yankton became a major center for trade and commerce.
Over the years, Yankton County has faced various challenges and changes. The decline of the agricultural sector in the early 20th century led to a shift towards other industries like manufacturing and healthcare. Today, the county continues to thrive as a vibrant community, with a strong emphasis on education, tourism, and outdoor recreational activities. Overall, the history of Yankton County reflects the dynamic nature of American expansion and the resilience of its inhabitants.
Yankton County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Yankton County, South Dakota.
- 1800 - The Yankton Sioux Tribe is the initial inhabitant of the area now known as Yankton County.
- 1804 - The Lewis and Clark expedition visit the area and establish diplomatic relations with the Yankton Sioux Tribe.
- 1859 - The first temporary white settlement is established in what is now Yankton County.
- 1861 - Yankton County is officially organized and named after the Yankton Sioux Tribe.
- 1868 - The signing of the Treaty of Fort Laramie guarantees the reservation lands of the Yankton Sioux Tribe.
- 1870 - Yankton becomes the capital of Dakota Territory.
- 1882 - The construction of the first railroad line into Yankton County.
- 1889 - South Dakota becomes a state, with Yankton County as one of its original counties.
- 1920 - Yankton College is founded, becoming an important educational institution in the county.
- 1954 - The construction of the Gavins Point Dam and Lewis and Clark Lake begins, providing recreational and economic benefits to Yankton County.
- 1974 - The creation of the Yankton Sioux Reservation through land consolidation efforts.