National Register Listing

Panguitch Carnegie Library

75 E. Center St., Panguitch, UT
Local significance of the building:
Education

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
  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.

education library
Audiobooks about the history of Utah.
The Utah State Fair, held annually in Salt Lake City, is one of the oldest state fairs in the country, dating back to 1856.
Utah random facts
Garfield County, UT, located in southern Utah, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The region has been inhabited by Native American tribes for centuries, with the Paiute people being the predominant group. They lived off the land, hunting, gathering, and engaged in agriculture.

In the 19th century, European explorers, fur trappers, and missionaries began to venture into the area. During this time, a significant event was the infamous Mountain Meadows Massacre of 1857. A wagon train of emigrants passing through the area was attacked by a local militia and Native American allies, resulting in the deaths of over 120 men, women, and children.

Settlement in Garfield County began in the late 1860s and early 1870s with the establishment of several small communities, including Panguitch, Tropic, and Escalante. These early settlers were primarily Mormon pioneers, seeking to establish agricultural communities. They faced many challenges, including arid conditions and conflicts with Native American tribes, but gradually succeeded in building permanent settlements.

In the early 20th century, Garfield County became known for its scenic beauty and natural wonders. Bryce Canyon National Park, established in 1928, attracted visitors from around the world, contributing to the development of tourism in the area. Today, Garfield County continues to be a popular destination for outdoor recreation, with its stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and access to national parks and monuments.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Garfield County, Utah.

  • 1882 - Garfield County is established by the Utah Territorial Legislature.
  • 1892 - Bryce Canyon National Park is established, becoming a popular tourist destination in the county.
  • 1905 - Capitol Reef National Monument is established, preserving unique geological features.
  • 1937 - Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is established, protecting a large area of rugged landscape.
  • 1968 - Death of Everett Ruess, a well-known artist and explorer, in the Henry Mountains.
  • 1975 - The film "Planet of the Dinosaurs" is shot in Garfield County.
  • 1996 - President Bill Clinton designates the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
  • 2006 - The Kaiparowits Power Plant is proposed, sparking controversy and debate.