Brigham City Carnegie Library
26 E. Forest St., Brigham City, UT Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
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 state's official tree is the quaking aspen, a deciduous tree that is known for its beautiful fall foliage.
In 1851, a group of Mormon pioneers established the community of Brigham City in Box Elder County. They were drawn to the fertile land and abundant water sources, which allowed for agriculture and settlement. The county was named after the box elder trees that grew along the nearby rivers.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Box Elder County played a significant role in the development of the railroad system in Utah. The transcontinental railroad line, completed in 1869, passed through the county, leading to increased trade and economic growth. The town of Promontory Summit in Box Elder County is famous for being the site where the Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads were linked, completing the first transcontinental railroad.
Agriculture has been a cornerstone of Box Elder County's economy throughout its history. The fertile soil and access to water from the Bear River have allowed for the cultivation of crops, such as wheat, sugar beets, and fruit orchards. The county is renowned for its Bear River Valley's fruit and vegetable production, earning it the nickname "Utah's Fruit Way." In addition to agriculture, the county has also seen industrial growth, particularly in the production of minerals and manufacturing. The Thiokol Chemical Corporation, now known as Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, has played a significant role in the county's economy by manufacturing solid rocket motors for space exploration.
Today, Box Elder County continues to thrive as a combination of agricultural, industrial, and tourist communities. Its rich history and natural beauty attract visitors from all over, with attractions such as the Golden Spike National Historical Park and the Great Salt Lake contributing to its appeal. As the county moves forward, there is an intentional focus on preserving its heritage while embracing economic, cultural, and social growth for the benefit of its residents and visitors alike.
Box Elder County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Box Elder County, Utah.
- 1851 - Box Elder County is settled by Mormon pioneers, with Brigham City serving as the county seat
- 1855 - The construction of Brigham City's LDS temple begins
- 1861 - Box Elder County is officially organized
- 1869 - The completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad brings economic growth to the county
- 1876 - The Bear River Massacre takes place near the present-day town of Battle Mountain in Box Elder County
- 1890 - The county experiences a significant mining boom in Clifton and Thatcher
- 1918 - The worldwide influenza pandemic hits Box Elder County, causing many deaths
- 1930s - The Great Depression leads to economic challenges for the county
- 1944 - The Utah Test and Training Range, a military reservation, is established in the county
- 2002 - The county experiences destructive wildfires that burn thousands of acres