Bozeman in Gallatin County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Bozeman Carnegie Library

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 25, 2021

1. Bozeman Carnegie Library Marker

Inscription. Steel baron Andrew Carnegie viewed public libraries as a key agent of self improvement and donated roughly $41 million for the construction of 1,679 public libraries between 1886 and 1917. The Bozeman Classical Revival landmark, one of seventeen Carnegie libraries erected in Montana, was constructed to meet the needs of a growing population and elevate the moral character of the community. Small libraries had existed in Bozeman since 1872, but by 1900 the city’s accommodations were woefully inadequate. To rectify the situation, librarian Bell Chrisman urged the city to seek Carnegie funding. On March 14, 1902, the philanthropist agreed to provide $15,000 for the building in return for “a suitable site” and the city’s pledge of $1,500 yearly support. Despite local controversy, reform-minded citizens located the new facility directly across the street from the town’s red light district in part as an incentive to improve those disreputable surroundings. To this end, architect C. S. Haire designed Bozeman’s library to resemble an ancient temple with a symmetrical Greek cross plan. The elaborate main entrance features Roman

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Doric columns supporting a formidable triangular pediment. In the shadow of this impressive edifice, the red light district eventually disappeared. The structure served as the community library until 1980 and then was utilized as city offices. In 1998, the building underwent extensive restoration by owners Michael E. Wheat and Michael D. Cok.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

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

Location. 45° 40.811′ N, 111° 2.07′ W. Marker is in Bozeman, Montana, in Gallatin County. It is at the intersection of North Bozeman Avenue and East Mendenhall Street, on the left when traveling north on North Bozeman Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 35 North Bozeman Avenue, Bozeman MT 59715, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Yellowstone Country.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis

Bozeman Carnegie Library and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 25, 2021

2. Bozeman Carnegie Library and Marker

The marker is on a pedestal at the left side of the stairs.

& 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 walking distance of this marker: Gallatin Lodge No. 6 A.F. & A.M (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 226-232 East Main (about 500 feet away); Gallatin Block (about 500 feet away); Early Bozeman (about 500 feet away); Bozeman Comes of Age (about 500 feet away); Bozeman Hotel Annex (about 600 feet away); Tivoli Beer Hall (about 600 feet away); Electric Block (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bozeman.

Bozeman Carnegie Library image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 25, 2021

3. Bozeman Carnegie Library

Credits. This page was last revised on February 14, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 14, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 249 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 14, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.