Trinidad in Las Animas County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Carnegie Public Library
1904
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 10, 2025
1. Carnegie Public Library Marker
National Register of Historic Places
by the United States Department of the Interior
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Charity & Public Work • Education • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Carnegie Libraries, and the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1904.
Location. 37° 10.093′ N, 104° 30.505′ W. Marker is in Trinidad, Colorado, in Las Animas County. It is at the intersection of North Animas Street and Church Street, on the left when traveling south on North Animas Street. The marker is mounted at eye-level, directly on the subject building, on the right side of the front entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 202 North Animas Street, Trinidad CO 81082, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American Mountain West, on the Great Plains, on the Southern Plains, and on the Santa Fe Trail Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Comancherνa, the Dust Bowl, and the Republic of Texas.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: City's First Fire Bell (within shouting distance of this marker); John Fitzgerald Kennedy (within shouting distance of this marker); The Last Coal Burning Steam Engine (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Clash of Cultures (about 400 feet away); Trinidad Schools and the Sisters of Charity
this page online
Regarding Carnegie Public Library. National Register of Historic Places № 95000438 and Colorado State Register of Historic Properties Site № 5LA.2179.21. Also a contributing property in Corazon de Trinidad National Register Historic District, NRHP № 73000482.
From the National Register Nomination prepared by Sara J. Murphy, Library Director, 11/3/1994:
The building possesses symmetrically balanced facades, robust classicism, and a solid silhouette. A metal standing seam roof with a parapet wall tops the sandstone building, which is one story with a raised garden level. The complex roof line is comprised of hipped roofs and a gable extension. The regularly coursed ashlar building is predominately quarry-faced sandstone with smooth-faced sandstone liberally employed around the door and window bays on three elevations. Dominating the main facade is a full-height, pedimented portal with classical columns.A dentiled cornice and a water table provide horizontal divisions as they encircle the building.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 10, 20252. Carnegie Public Library EntranceThe marker is mounted on the right side of the front entrance, just below the right column.
From the National Register Nomination: The entrance is marked with a gabled roof, pedimented projection centrally located on the facade. Dentils outline the pediment which is partially supported by two unfluted columns with ionic capitals. Quarry-faced sandstone walls capped with concrete frame the six steps that lead to the round arched portal. Pilasters and an arch with keystone comprise the door surround. Above the door surround, the words "PUBLIC LIBRARY" appear in the smooth sandstone.The Carnegie Public Library is the only library building that the City of Trinidad has ever had. Las Animas County was created in 1866 and Trinidad was chosen as the county seat. Ten years later the town, with a population of 2,000 was incorporated. In 1882, the Trinidad Public Library and Reading Room was incorporated. Books and operating capital were raised and a room was leased in the John Block on Main Street. The library was moved a number of times to various rooms in public buildings. In 1901, it was decided to build a permanent library building. The library board applied for and received a $15,000 donation from Andrew Carnegie for this purpose. After much haggling, a site was finally selected in 1903 and J. G. Haskell of Topeka, Kansas was selected as the architect for the native stone building. Contracts were let in October 1903 with Crouch & Smith, a local firm, being awarded the overall contract. The sandstone was cut at the nearby James Radford Quarry and by May 1904, the two ten-foot high columns were placed at the entrance with the capstone stating "Public Library." The stone mason was William McDonald who also built the local Presbyterian church in 1902.
The unusual metal roof, two layers of tin, has never been replaced. In 1924 changes were made to the guttering
system as the external drains were causing the basement to flood. Architects Rapp and Hendrickson drew up plans for new gutters and an internal drainage system from the roof to storm drains which are deep underground and eventually drain into the Purgatory River, one block north. All other work on the roof has just been cleaning and painting, the first time in 1910 and the last time in 1982. The only other exterior alteration was the replacement of the front door in 1965. These minor changes have done little to impact the building's overall integrity.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 10, 20253. Carnegie Public Library (northwest elevation)With its robust detailing and the combination of quarry-faced and smooth sandstone, the 1904 Carnegie Library represents an early and distinctive appearance of Classical Revival styling in Trinidad.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Also see . . .
1. Trinidad Carnegie Public Library (History Colorado).
Excerpt: The building is one of 36 Carnegie libraries constructed in Colorado. Kansas architect John G. Haskells Neo-Classical design includes symmetrically balanced windows and a dominant central porch entry. His use of round-arched window openings with decorative moldings is a distinctive variation on the style.(Submitted on August 3, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 10, 2025
4. Carnegie Public Library (southeast elevation)
2. History of the Trinidad Carnegie Public Library ( trinidadpubliclibrary.org).
Excerpt: The library was scheduled to open in September 1904. However, a freak flood occurred and did considerable damage to the area. Luckily the librarys 22-foot foundation saved the building and only the front steps were replaced. The library opened its doors to the community in October 1904 and has been open as a library ever since. The library was renovated in 1995 to add the Historical Collection Room, additional workspace, and an elevator. The library has remained relatively unchanged since 1904. The original bookshelves and stained glass are still in place. However, the library's services and programs change with the changing needs of the community we're not just a reading room anymore!(Submitted on August 3, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 10, 2025
5. Carnegie Public Library (interior)
From the National Register Nomination: The interior of the building has remained remarkably unchanged over the years. The floor plan and functions of the rooms have remained constant. The librarian's desk, like all the woodwork is the original oak. The crown molding, window and door trim remain intact. Minor changes include the replacement of light fixtures and the water fountain. The bookcases that were installed in October 1904 were deemed inadequate in 1905 and new ones were ordered from the Library Bureau of Chicago in August. These are still in use today.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 10, 2025
6. Carnegie Public Library (southwest elevation)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 2, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 121 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 2, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 3, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
