Carnegie Public Library
125 S. College St., Tyler, TX
Built in 1904 with a $15,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie, Tyler's Carnegie Library, the third oldest of its kind in Texas, has continuously served as a cultural center and the city's sole public library, supported by community contributions, hosting various events, and playing a vital role in education; while a new library is being planned nearby, both buildings will form a harmonious library complex.
One of the original Carnegie Libraries, this building was erected in 1904 with a $15,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie, on a lot purchased by the citizens of Tyler and deeded to the City for that purpose. It has served continuously since that time as a cultural center and as Tyler's only public library.
In a letter of March 20, 1903, Andrew Carnegie agreed to give $15,000 for a free library if the city would provide the lot and $1,500 a year for its upkeep. On May 29, 1903, the Trustees for the Tyler Public Free Library (established by contributions from 172 citizens), bought from Annie Regina McMahon for $2,000 a lot upon which to erect the library building. The lot was then conveyed to the City of Tyler as a corporation in trust perpetually for the use and benefit of the Tyler Public Free Library. Tyler's Carnegie Library was the fifteenth of thirty-four built in Texas. It is believed to be the third oldest of the ten still used as libraries.
From that day when 172 of its citizens contributed to the purchase of the lot, the Carnegie Library continued to receive the wholehearted support of the people of Tyler, as reported in the newspapers of the day. A "Circus Day Benefaction" was held on November 13, 1903, and was a major social event. Many gifts of "flowers, seeds, vines, and trees for beautifying the library grounds" were received, in addition to a grandfather clock and contributions of money toward a fence and sidewalks. A "handsome piano" for Carnegie Hall (the auditorium) was given by the Mendolsohn-Sherwood Club, a "fine oil painting" was given by Mrs. Vernon White, a "well-known Texas artist", and many books, plants, and files of magazines were given by others. The Mollie Moore Davis Chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy gave a portrait of Robert E. Lee, and later, one of Jefferson Davis.
The library served as the major center for cultural activities in the area for many years. For a long period, it was Tyler's only auditorium and housed a variety of events. The newspapers record a number of performances in Carnegie Hall - piano, song, and expression recitals, in addition to plays, lectures, readings, and occasional benefits. In later years, the auditorium was used by the Lutheran congregation and by the Tyler Civic Theater for its productions.
The library clerk kept close ties to the school system, working out courses of study and hosting field trips. Classes were also held in the library sometimes since the school libraries were inadequate. These uses, in addition to evening hours, regular story hours for children, and summer children's reading programs, meant that the Carnegie Library has played a varied and significant role in the life of Tyler.
A new library is now being planned for Tyler, directly across the side street to the south of the Carnegie Library. The new building is being designed to harmonize with the present library, and the two together will be known as the library complex.
Local significance of the building:
In a letter of March 20, 1903, Andrew Carnegie agreed to give $15,000 for a free library if the city would provide the lot and $1,500 a year for its upkeep. On May 29, 1903, the Trustees for the Tyler Public Free Library (established by contributions from 172 citizens), bought from Annie Regina McMahon for $2,000 a lot upon which to erect the library building. The lot was then conveyed to the City of Tyler as a corporation in trust perpetually for the use and benefit of the Tyler Public Free Library. Tyler's Carnegie Library was the fifteenth of thirty-four built in Texas. It is believed to be the third oldest of the ten still used as libraries.
From that day when 172 of its citizens contributed to the purchase of the lot, the Carnegie Library continued to receive the wholehearted support of the people of Tyler, as reported in the newspapers of the day. A "Circus Day Benefaction" was held on November 13, 1903, and was a major social event. Many gifts of "flowers, seeds, vines, and trees for beautifying the library grounds" were received, in addition to a grandfather clock and contributions of money toward a fence and sidewalks. A "handsome piano" for Carnegie Hall (the auditorium) was given by the Mendolsohn-Sherwood Club, a "fine oil painting" was given by Mrs. Vernon White, a "well-known Texas artist", and many books, plants, and files of magazines were given by others. The Mollie Moore Davis Chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy gave a portrait of Robert E. Lee, and later, one of Jefferson Davis.
The library served as the major center for cultural activities in the area for many years. For a long period, it was Tyler's only auditorium and housed a variety of events. The newspapers record a number of performances in Carnegie Hall - piano, song, and expression recitals, in addition to plays, lectures, readings, and occasional benefits. In later years, the auditorium was used by the Lutheran congregation and by the Tyler Civic Theater for its productions.
The library clerk kept close ties to the school system, working out courses of study and hosting field trips. Classes were also held in the library sometimes since the school libraries were inadequate. These uses, in addition to evening hours, regular story hours for children, and summer children's reading programs, meant that the Carnegie Library has played a varied and significant role in the life of Tyler.
A new library is now being planned for Tyler, directly across the side street to the south of the Carnegie Library. The new building is being designed to harmonize with the present library, and the two together will be known as the library complex.
Education; Social History
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
About National Register Listings
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.
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Searching for other points of interest within 3 miles of this location.The discovery of oil in 1901 near Beaumont, Texas, sparked an oil boom that transformed the state's economy and led to the rise of the modern petroleum industry.
About Smith County
Smith County Timeline
Smith County, Texas, holds a rich history that stretches back to its beginnings. The land that is now Smith County was once inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Cherokee nations. The region first caught the attention of European settlers in the early 19th century, when Stephen F. Austin's colonists began to venture into the area. The first permanent settlement, Tyler, was established in 1846.
During the turbulent times of the American Civil War, Smith County experienced significant unrest. Many residents in the county owned slaves, and tensions ran high between Union and Confederate sympathizers. The Battle of Blackjack Grove took place in August 1864, and although it was a minor skirmish, it reflected the deep divisions and struggles faced by the county during the war.
Following the war, Smith County experienced rapid growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further boosted the county's economy and population. During this period, the town of Tyler established itself as a principal commercial center, attracting businesses and settlers from surrounding areas.
In the 20th century, Smith County continued to thrive with the growth of agriculture, oil, and manufacturing industries. Tyler became known as the "Rose Capital of the World" due to its substantial rose-growing industry. The county has also been a center for education, with the establishment of schools and universities.
Today, Smith County remains a vibrant and dynamic part of Texas. Its rich history, from its Native American roots to its role in the Civil War and beyond, provides a fascinating backdrop to its current achievements and endeavors.
During the turbulent times of the American Civil War, Smith County experienced significant unrest. Many residents in the county owned slaves, and tensions ran high between Union and Confederate sympathizers. The Battle of Blackjack Grove took place in August 1864, and although it was a minor skirmish, it reflected the deep divisions and struggles faced by the county during the war.
Following the war, Smith County experienced rapid growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further boosted the county's economy and population. During this period, the town of Tyler established itself as a principal commercial center, attracting businesses and settlers from surrounding areas.
In the 20th century, Smith County continued to thrive with the growth of agriculture, oil, and manufacturing industries. Tyler became known as the "Rose Capital of the World" due to its substantial rose-growing industry. The county has also been a center for education, with the establishment of schools and universities.
Today, Smith County remains a vibrant and dynamic part of Texas. Its rich history, from its Native American roots to its role in the Civil War and beyond, provides a fascinating backdrop to its current achievements and endeavors.
Smith County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Smith County, Texas.
- 1846 - Smith County is established by the Texas legislature.
- 1847 - The county seat is designated at Tyler.
- 1850 - The population of Smith County reaches 1,726.
- 1861-1865 - The Civil War impacts the county, with many residents serving in the Confederate Army.
- 1877 - The Texas and Pacific Railway reaches Tyler, boosting the local economy.
- 1930s - The Great Depression brings economic hardships to Smith County.
- 1932 - The East Texas Oil Field is discovered, leading to an oil boom in the area.
- 1950s - The construction of highways and infrastructure brings further growth and development to the county.
- 1995 - The Smith County Historical Society is formed to preserve the county's history.
- Present - Smith County continues to thrive as a regional economic and cultural hub in East Texas.