Hamilton in Ravalli County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Carnegie Library

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 11, 2018

1. Carnegie Library Marker

Inscription. Hamilton’s Ministerial Association opened the first free library in Ravalli County in April 1903 in a room donated by the Ravalli County Bank. Three months later, Hamilton voters levied a one mill tax to support the library, and the enterprise passed into public hands. In 1907, the library moved to the newly constructed city hall. When that space became inadequate, the community approached steel magnate Andrew Carnegie for money for a new building. The process stalled because Carnegie, who helped finance over 1,600 library buildings across the country, required towns to provide a building site. The Hamilton Woman’s Club revived the campaign in 1914 by procuring the necessary gift of land from Margaret Daly, widow of copper king Marcus Daly. On July 8, 1916, the new building opened to the public. The $9,000 structure’s symmetrical façade, daylight basement, and classical detailing are characteristic of Carnegie libraries. The front portico was added later. Community support led to construction of an addition in 1988, which has allowed the Bitterroot Public Library to meet the growing needs of its patrons

Erected by Montana

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Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the Carnegie Libraries, and the Montana National Register Sign Program series lists.

Location. 46° 14.758′ N, 114° 9.549′ W. Marker is in Hamilton, Montana, in Ravalli County. It is on State Street near South 3rd Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 306 State Street, Hamilton MT 59840, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Western Montana,

in Glacier Country,

and in Greater Missoula.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: City Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); 337 West Main

Carnegie Library image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 11, 2018

2. Carnegie Library

(about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Telephone Exchange (about 400 feet away); United States Post Office (about 400 feet away); Hamilton Commercial Historic District (about 400 feet away); First National Bank (about 500 feet away); Ravalli County Courthouse (about 600 feet away); Daly Mansion (approx. 1.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hamilton.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 11, 2018

3. Carnegie Library

Credits. This page was last revised on September 21, 2018. It was originally submitted on September 21, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 318 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 21, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.