National Register Listing

Wenatchee Carnegie Library

a.k.a. Department of Community Development

2 S. Chelan St., Wenatchee, WA
Local significance of the building:
Education; Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
  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 architecture social history library
The Seattle Great Wheel, located on the city's waterfront, is one of the largest Ferris wheels in the United States, standing at 175 feet tall.
Washington random facts
Chelan County, located in the state of Washington, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Wenatchi and Chelan tribes, who lived off the land and utilized the region's natural resources for sustenance.

The first European explorers arrived in the late 18th century, with fur traders and gold prospectors venturing into the area. In the mid-1800s, the discovery of gold in the region led to a significant influx of miners and settlers, marking the start of Chelan County's development.

As the gold rush faded, the economy shifted towards agriculture and timber industries in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Fruit orchards, particularly apple and cherry farms, thrived in the area's fertile valleys, contributing to the county's economic growth.

In the early 20th century, the completion of the Great Northern Railway and the construction of the Rocky Reach Dam brought further development and accessibility to the county. The dam, built on the Columbia River, helped to provide a reliable source of hydroelectric power and facilitated irrigation for the region's agricultural activities.

Today, Chelan County is known for its stunning natural beauty, with the Cascade Mountains dominating the landscape and the Lake Chelan attracting tourists from around the world. The county has continued to evolve, with a diverse economy encompassing various industries, including tourism, agriculture, and technology. Throughout its history, Chelan County has remained a vibrant and dynamic region, offering a blend of natural wonders and economic opportunities.

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

  • 1841: The first recorded exploration of the Chelan County area by fur traders.
  • 1870: The Wenatchee Valley is opened for settlement, attracting miners and homesteaders.
  • 1889: Chelan County is officially established as a county of Washington Territory.
  • 1890: The Great Northern Railway reaches the Wenatchee area, spurring further growth.
  • 1892: The city of Wenatchee is incorporated.
  • 1928: Completion of the Columbia River Bridge connects Wenatchee and East Wenatchee.
  • 1951: Construction of the Rocky Reach Dam begins, providing hydroelectric power.
  • 1961: Completion of the Rocky Reach Dam, boosting the local economy.
  • 1964: The Wenatchee Valley College is founded, offering higher education opportunities.
  • 2001: The Mission Ridge Ski Area celebrates its 35th anniversary.