National Register Listing

Tooele Carnegie Library

47 E. Vine St., Tooele, 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
The Utah State Capitol Building in Salt Lake City is home to a unique feature known as the "seagull room." The room is decorated with paintings and sculptures of seagulls in honor of the California gulls that helped the early settlers.
Utah random facts
Tooele County, located in the state of Utah, has a rich and fascinating history that spans many centuries. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, including the Goshute and Ute peoples, who thrived on the region's abundant natural resources. In the early 19th century, European explorers and fur trappers began venturing into the area, establishing trade relationships with the Native Americans.

In 1849, Brigham Young, leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sent a group of pioneers to settle the Tooele Valley. They established the community of Tooele City, which quickly became the county seat. The area proved to be an ideal location for agriculture and mining, and soon attracted settlers looking for new opportunities.

In the late 19th century, mining played a significant role in Tooele County's development. The discovery of large deposits of silver, lead, and copper brought an influx of miners to the region, leading to the establishment of mining towns such as Mercur and Ophir. These mining operations propelled Tooele County's economy and contributed to the growth of the region.

During World War II, Tooele County played a crucial role in the war effort. The U.S. Army established the Deseret Chemical Depot in the county, which became a major site for the storage and disposal of chemical weapons. This military presence brought both economic benefits and environmental challenges to the area.

Today, Tooele County continues to be a hub for mining and industry, with a diverse economy that also includes agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The county is known for its beautiful landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and historic sites that showcase its rich heritage.

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

  • 1849 - Tooele County is settled by Mormon pioneers
  • 1850 - Tooele County is officially organized
  • 1862 - Tooele City is incorporated
  • 1864 - Tooele County Courthouse is built
  • 1882 - Tooele County's first railroad, Utah Central Railroad, is completed
  • 1941 - Tooele Army Depot is established during World War II
  • 1952 - Tooele Army Depot becomes a major facility for the production and storage of chemical weapons
  • 1993 - Demilitarization of chemical weapons begins at Tooele Army Depot
  • 2003 - Utah Test and Training Range is established in Tooele County