Richfield Carnegie Library
83 E. Center St., Richfield, 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.
Utah is home to the world's largest man-made excavation, the Kennecott Copper Mine. The mine produces copper, gold, silver, and other minerals and is located southwest of Salt Lake City.
In the mid-19th century, Mormon pioneers settled in the area, establishing several communities, including the county seat of Richfield in 1864. The Mormon settlers faced significant challenges in developing the land, including irrigation and water management. They worked diligently to create irrigation systems and transform the desert into an agricultural hub, relying heavily on the natural bounty of the Sevier River.
As the pioneers settled, the county saw significant growth and development. Richfield became an important trading post in southern Utah, attracting settlers, merchants, and traders. The expansion of transportation networks, including railroads, further boosted the county's economy and connected it to neighboring areas. The railroads allowed for the transportation of goods, enabling the development of mining, livestock, and other industries in the region.
Throughout the 20th century, Sevier County continued to grow and diversify. Tourism became an important component of the county's economy, thanks to the beautiful landscapes and recreational opportunities in the area. Visitors flocked to attractions such as Fish Lake, Big Rock Candy Mountain, and Fremont Indian State Park, contributing to the growth of hotels, restaurants, and recreational amenities in the county. Today, Sevier County remains a vibrant and thriving community, showcasing a combination of natural beauty, historical heritage, and modern amenities.
Sevier County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Sevier County, Utah.
- 1824 - Sevier County was settled by pioneers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS).
- 1851 - The area was officially organized as part of Utah Territory.
- 1865 - The town of Richfield was settled and became the county seat.
- 1874 - Sevier County was officially established with Richfield as its county seat.
- 1881 - The first creamery was established in the county, leading to a boom in dairy farming.
- 1896 - Utah became a state and Sevier County was a part of it.
- 1921 - Fishlake National Forest was established, covering a large part of Sevier County.
- 1962 - Interstate 70 was completed, providing improved transportation access to the county.
- 2002 - The Rattlesnake Fire destroyed thousands of acres of land in Sevier County.
- 2019 - Brian Head Fire burned a significant portion of the county, causing significant damage to wildlife and forests.