Watertown in Codington County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Carnegie Free Public Library
27 First Ave. S. E.
— Watertown Commercial Historic District —
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 15, 2018
1. Carnegie Free Public Library Marker
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Carnegie Libraries, and the National Register of Historic Places series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.
Location. 44° 53.952′ N, 97° 6.813′ W. Marker is in Watertown, South Dakota, in Codington County. Marker is at the intersection of 1st Avenue Southeast and South Maple, on the left when traveling east on 1st Avenue Southeast. Marker is mounted at eye-level, directly on the subject building, on the left side of the main front entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 27 1st Avenue Southeast, Watertown SD 57201, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Schaller's Department Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Home Furniture Company (within shouting distance of this marker); F.E. Tenney Grocery (within shouting distance of this marker); Codington County Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Dedicated to Freeman Thayer Post Number 59 (within shouting distance of this marker); Codington County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Paris Store
this page online
Regarding Carnegie Free Public Library. National Register of Historic Places #76001724. Also a contributing property, Watertown Commercial Historic District, NRHP #89000834.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Watertown Commercial Historic District
Also see . . .
1. The Carnegie Library, 1906 - 1967. In September, 1903, a petition for “maintenance of a public library” with 616 signers was presented to the City Council. The law required signatures of more than one-half the legal voters of the city. The City Council petitioned the Andrew Carnegie Library Building Fund for a building. The Carnegie Foundation would give the money on condition that the city raise $100 for the maintenance of the library each year for each $1,000 given. The petition was granted with the city promising to support the library. The city accepted Carnegie’s offer of $10,000. L.E. Brickell, Jr., constructed the library for $12,242. (Submitted on October 15, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 15, 2018
2. Carnegie Free Library Marker • wide view
(marker mounted on left side of entrance)
(marker mounted on left side of entrance)
2. Historic Watertown Guided Tour. The building has served as the home of the Codington County Heritage Museum and County Historical Society since 1970. An example of neo-classical architecture, this building is set on a granite block basement. Pairs of smooth, ionic sandstone columns frame the entrance, and ornate leaded glass forms the windows. The interior is equally ornate with a central dome skylight, brick fireplace, and detailed oak columns and other oak woodwork. (Submitted on August 21, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 15, 2018
3. National Register of Historic Places plaque
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 15, 2018
4. Carnegie Free Public Library (now Codington County Heritage Museum)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 21, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 14, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 197 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 14, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 15, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
