Carnegie Library
a.k.a. Academic Building;See Also:Fisk University Historic District
17th Ave. N., Fisk University campus, Nashville, TN Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
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.
Tennessee was the birthplace of the Ku Klux Klan, a notorious white supremacist organization that terrorized African Americans and other minority groups throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The group was founded in Pulaski, Tennessee, in 1865.
The county is named after General William Lee Davidson, a North Carolina militia officer who was killed in the Revolutionary War. Davidson County was established in 1783, making it one of the oldest counties in Tennessee. The city of Nashville, which is the county seat, was founded soon after, in 1780.
Throughout its history, Davidson County has played a significant role in the development of Tennessee and the United States. In the early 19th century, Nashville became a hub for trade and transportation, as well as a center for education and culture. The city thrived as a port along the Cumberland River and became an important cotton trading hub.
During the Civil War, Davidson County witnessed several significant events. The Battle of Nashville, a major Union victory, took place here in 1864 and marked a turning point in the war. The city also served as a center for the Union's military operations throughout the region.
In the decades following the Civil War, Davidson County continued to grow and evolve. It became known as the "Athens of the South" for its esteemed institutions of higher education, including Vanderbilt University and Fisk University. Today, Davidson County remains a cultural and economic center of Tennessee, with a flourishing music scene, lively downtown area, and a diverse population.
Davidson County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Davidson County, Tennessee.
- 1783 – Davidson County is created by the North Carolina legislature and named in honor of William Lee Davidson.
- 1784 – Nashville is established as the county seat of Davidson County.
- 1806 – The Tennessee State Capitol building, also located in Davidson County, is completed.
- 1812 – A new courthouse is constructed in Nashville.
- 1861 – Tennessee secedes from the Union and joins the Confederacy during the American Civil War.
- 1864 – Nashville becomes the first Confederate state capital to fall to Union forces during the Civil War.
- 1868 – The Tennessee State Capitol building is restored and reopened after being damaged during the Civil War.
- 1871 – A new Davidson County Courthouse is constructed in Nashville to replace the previous one.
- 1963 – The Parthenon replica in Centennial Park is completed, becoming a popular tourist attraction in Davidson County.
- 1997 – Riverfront Park, a waterfront park along the Cumberland River, is opened in downtown Nashville.
- 2010 – The 2010 flood devastates parts of Davidson County, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure.