Carnegie Library
a.k.a. Haquiam Timberland Library
621 K St., Hoquiam, 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 state's official bird is the American goldfinch, which is known for its bright yellow color and cheerful song.
The first major development in the region was the establishment of a trading post by American fur trader Robert Gray, after whom the county is named, in 1792. The post served as a hub for fur trading and became a crucial point for maritime commerce. The 1850s saw a surge in population as settlers arrived, attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for timber and fishing industries.
By the mid-1880s, Grays Harbor County was rapidly growing as the timber industry boomed. The abundance of old-growth forests provided ample resources for logging, attracting companies and laborers from around the country. The establishment of railroads in the late 19th century further facilitated the growth of the timber industry and brought prosperity to the region.
In the early 20th century, Grays Harbor County became one of the leading producers of timber in the United States, with numerous mills operating along the coast. The county's economy revolved around timber harvesting and processing, fishing, and shipping. However, with the decline in old-growth forests and changes in industry trends, the timber industry began to wane in the latter half of the 20th century.
Today, Grays Harbor County's economy has diversified, with a focus on tourism, trade, and renewable energy. The area is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and historical sites. The county continues to evolve, embracing new industries while preserving its rich heritage.
Grays Harbor County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Grays Harbor County, Washington.
- 1805: The area of Grays Harbor County is explored by the Lewis and Clark expedition.
- 1850s: Settlers start to arrive in the area, attracted by the rich natural resources such as timber and fishing.
- 1860: The first post office is established in Thornton, which later becomes the first county seat.
- 1885: Montesano becomes the new county seat of Grays Harbor County.
- 1890s: The logging industry booms in the region, leading to increased economic growth.
- 1905: The city of Hoquiam is officially incorporated.
- 1911: Ocean City, now known as Ocean Shores, is founded as a beach community.
- 1930s: The Great Depression severely impacts the economy of Grays Harbor County, leading to high unemployment rates.
- 1970s: The decline of the logging industry negatively affects the local economy.
- 1990: The Quinault Indian Nation becomes a major economic force in the county with the opening of the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino.
- 2007: Grays Harbor Energy Center, a natural gas power plant, is opened near the town of Elma.