Clarkston Public Library
a.k.a. Asotin County Library
6th and Chestnut Sts., Clarkston, WAThe Clarkston Library Association was formed in 1902 when an Episcopal priest received a gift of several boxes of books. The library was housed in the church vestry at first. When the city requested a $5,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie, he responded by suggesting that they take $10,000 instead. This meant that the grant would be conditioned upon a promise to expend $1,000 per year on maintenance, rather than the $500 originally planned. This extra expense was thought to be an excessively heavy burden for the tax payers of such a small city to bear. It was suggested that the tax base be enlarged by considering that the taxing entity to receive the grant be the school district, rather than the city, and Carnegie agreed. This was quite unusual, since he almost always insisted that his grants be made only to city governments. The lots for the library were donated by the Lewiston-Clarkston Improvement Company, which was owned by Charles Francis Adams, a latter-day descendant of the famous Massachusetts family. The library, which was constructed in 1913, continues in its original function and now serves as a regional library for southeast Washington state.
This library has been an important cultural center for the southeast Washington area for many years and has thus played a significant role in its history. It is also a good example of a typical Carnegie Library, especially inside.
Local significance of the building:
This library has been an important cultural center for the southeast Washington area for many years and has thus played a significant role in its history. It is also a good example of a typical Carnegie Library, especially inside.
Education; Architecture; Social History
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
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.
I love the rainy days in Washington; it makes the sunny days that much brighter.
About Asotin County
Asotin County Timeline
Asotin County is located in the southeast corner of the state of Washington, bordering Idaho. Its history dates back to prehistoric times when indigenous tribes, including the Nez Perce and Palouse, inhabited the area. These tribes relied on the abundant natural resources found in the regions, such as fish from the Snake and Clearwater rivers and game from the surrounding forests and grasslands.
European exploration of the area began in the early 19th century with fur trappers and traders. In the 1850s, settlers started arriving, attracted by the opportunities provided by mining in the nearby Nez Perce Reservation. The first permanent settlement, Asotin City, was established in 1860. The city served as a transportation hub for miners and settlers making their way into central Idaho.
Asotin County was officially created in 1883, named after a Nez Perce word meaning "eel creek" due to the plentiful eels found in the area's waterways. The region continued to grow as settlers cultivated the fertile land for agriculture and established businesses to support the expanding community.
The county faced challenges in the early 20th century, including devastating fires and economic downturns. However, it persevered and developed into a thriving community thanks to the construction of dams and irrigation systems, which brought stability to the agriculture industry. Today, Asotin County is known for its beautiful landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a strong sense of community.
European exploration of the area began in the early 19th century with fur trappers and traders. In the 1850s, settlers started arriving, attracted by the opportunities provided by mining in the nearby Nez Perce Reservation. The first permanent settlement, Asotin City, was established in 1860. The city served as a transportation hub for miners and settlers making their way into central Idaho.
Asotin County was officially created in 1883, named after a Nez Perce word meaning "eel creek" due to the plentiful eels found in the area's waterways. The region continued to grow as settlers cultivated the fertile land for agriculture and established businesses to support the expanding community.
The county faced challenges in the early 20th century, including devastating fires and economic downturns. However, it persevered and developed into a thriving community thanks to the construction of dams and irrigation systems, which brought stability to the agriculture industry. Today, Asotin County is known for its beautiful landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a strong sense of community.
Asotin County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Asotin County, Washington.
- 1805 - The Lewis and Clark Expedition explores the area that would later become Asotin County.
- 1810s - Fur traders establish trading posts in the region, interacting with local Native American tribes.
- 1861 - Asotin County is created by the Washington Territorial Legislature.
- 1881 - The city of Asotin is incorporated.
- 1893 - Clarkston, located across the Snake River from Asotin, is incorporated.
- 1930 - The first steel bridge connecting Asotin and Clarkston is completed.
- 1958 - The Lower Granite Dam is completed on the Snake River, providing electricity and flood control to the area.
- 2000 - The Asotin County Courthouse, built in 1898, is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
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