Belton in Bell County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

The Carnegie Library Building

Photographed by Larry D. Moore, June 30, 2020

1. The Carnegie Library Building Marker

Inscription. Completed in 1904, this brick library building was funded by a personal contribution from the noted New York industrialist and benefactor Andrew S. Carnegie. Ben D. Lee, builder of the Bell County Courthouse, served as contractor. Designed by the firm of Smith and Moore and made of bricks from a local kiln, the structure features elaborate detailing of the Beaux Arts classical style. When the library opened in 1905, 1500 volumes were contributed by members of the Woman's Wednesday Club. Public library facilities were located here until 1975.

Erected 1981 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 733.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music. In addition, it is included in the Carnegie Libraries series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1904.

Location. 31° 3.446′ N, 97° 27.796′ W. Marker is in Belton, Texas, in Bell County. It is at the intersection of North Main Street (State Highway 317) and East First Ave, on the right when traveling north on North Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 201 N Main St, Belton TX 76513, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Texas.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Woman's Wednesday Club (here, next to this marker); Site of Sam Houston Speech

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(a few steps from this marker); Early Bell County Jail (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bell County Confederate Memorial (about 400 feet away); Bell County Courthouse (about 500 feet away); William Whitaker Reed (about 500 feet away); Peter Hansbrough Bell (about 600 feet away); Bell County Courthouses (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Belton.

The Carnegie Library Building and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Larry D. Moore, June 30, 2020

2. The Carnegie Library Building and Marker

The Carnegie Library Building N.R.H.P. plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, October 20, 2025

3. The Carnegie Library Building N.R.H.P. plaque

Credits. This page was last revised on October 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 1, 2020, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas. This page has been viewed 477 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 1, 2020, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas. 3. submitted on October 21, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas.