National Register Listing

Etowah Carnegie Library

a.k.a. Etowah Public Library; Etowah City Hall

723-725 Ohio Ave., Etowah, TN
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Education; Politics/government; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2003.
  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.

architecture education politics government social history library
The first known protest against British taxation in America occurred in Tennessee in 1768, more than a decade before the famous Boston Tea Party. A group of settlers in the Watauga Association signed a petition protesting the British government's attempt to impose taxes on them without their consent.
Tennessee random facts
McMinn County, Tennessee has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, Creek, and Shawnee, who thrived in the fertile valleys and along the banks of the Tennessee River. European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, and the establishment of small towns and farms began to shape the region.

During the American Revolutionary War, McMinn County was involved in the fighting between the American colonists and the British. The Battle of Athens, which took place in 1864, is a notable event in McMinn County's history. It was a skirmish between Confederate forces and Unionist residents who rose up against Confederate authorities attempting to control the region. This event highlighted the tension and divisions that existed during the Civil War.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, McMinn County experienced industrial growth with the establishment of manufacturing and mining industries. The arrival of the railroad in the 1890s played a significant role in connecting McMinn County to other regions and facilitating economic development. The coal and marble industries were particularly important during this time, bringing jobs and prosperity to the area.

In more recent history, McMinn County has seen continued growth and development. Today, its economy is diverse, with a mix of industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and tourism. The county is also known for its natural beauty, with attractions like the Cherokee National Forest and the Hiwassee River offering outdoor recreational opportunities. McMinn County remains a vibrant community with a rich history that continues to shape its present-day identity.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of McMinn County, Tennessee.

  • 1819 - McMinn County is established and named after Joseph McMinn, the Governor of Tennessee at the time.
  • 1836 - The first courthouse is built in Athens, the county seat of McMinn County.
  • 1861-1865 - McMinn County suffers during the American Civil War, with numerous skirmishes and the Battle of Athens taking place within its borders.
  • 1878 - The railroad reaches McMinn County, bringing economic development and growth.
  • 1936 - The Battle of Athens, a political uprising against a corrupt local government, occurs in McMinn County.
  • 1960s-1970s - McMinn County experiences industrial growth with the establishment of several manufacturing plants.
  • 1996 - The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga opens, becoming a popular tourist attraction for McMinn County residents and visitors.
  • 2003 - The Great Outdoors Community Caverns, a large underground cave system, is discovered in McMinn County.
  • Present - McMinn County continues to grow and develop, with a focus on preserving its natural beauty and promoting tourism.