Pasco Carnegie Library
a.k.a. Franklin County Historical Society
305 N. 4th St., Pasco, WA Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
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.
The modern history of Franklin County began with the Lewis and Clark Expedition in the early 1800s. They explored the region and established relationships with the local tribes. The influx of European settlers, mainly fur traders, began in the mid-1800s, leading to clashes between the native inhabitants and the newcomers.
In 1883, Franklin County was officially created and named after Benjamin Franklin, one of the country's founding fathers. The establishment of the Pasco-Kennewick Railroad brought significant development to the area, as it facilitated transportation of goods and people. Agriculture became a vital industry, with settlers cultivating wheat, apples, and other crops. Irrigation projects in the early 1900s further boosted agriculture, transforming the county into a major agricultural hub.
The 20th century saw Franklin County experience significant growth and diversification. The construction of the Hanford Site during World War II brought economic prosperity to the region, providing jobs for thousands of workers. This nuclear facility, initially built for producing plutonium for the Manhattan Project, played a crucial role in the United States' atomic defense during the Cold War.
Today, Franklin County continues to thrive as a vital agricultural and industrial center in southeastern Washington. The county's rich history is reflected in its museums, cultural sites, and heritage festivals, allowing visitors to appreciate and learn from the past while enjoying the county's natural beauty and vibrant communities.
Franklin County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Franklin County, Washington.
- 1811: David Thompson, a fur trader, explores the area that would become Franklin County.
- 1836: The first white settlers arrive in the region.
- 1873: Franklin County is officially established.
- 1905: Pasco is incorporated as a city.
- 1943: Hanford Site is established as part of the Manhattan Project.
- 1963: The Columbia Generating Station (nuclear power plant) becomes operational.