Ritzville in Adams County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)

Ritzville Public Library 1907

Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, June 12, 2017

1. Ritzville Public Library 1907 Marker

Inscription. Funded by Andrew Carnegie, this well preserved building is one of fourteen Carnegie-funded libraries in eastern Washington. It was one of the earliest dedications and one of the most generous grants made. Prior to this structure being built, the first school session of Adams County was held in a shanty on this sight in 1881. Due to the growth in student numbers, school was held at a different site the next year. The structure features a restrained Neoclassical style and has been in continuous use as a library since its construction. It was added to the National Register in 1982.

Erected by Historic Ritzville Walking Tour. (Marker Number 2.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Carnegie Libraries series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1907.

Location. 47° 7.574′ N, 118° 22.916′ W. Marker is in Ritzville, Washington, in Adams County. It is at the intersection of West Main Avenue and North Adams Street, on the right when traveling south on West Main Avenue. Touch for map.

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Marker is at or near this postal address: 302 W Main Ave, Ritzville WA 99169, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Washington’s Columbia Basin, in the Palouse,

and in Greater Spokane.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Pacific Rim,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Adams County Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); E.D. Gilson Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); H.E. Gritman Building (about 400 feet away); N. H. Greene Building (about 400 feet away); Pioneer State Bank (about 700 feet away); The Ritz Theatre (about 700 feet away).

Ritzville Public Library image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, June 12, 2017

2. Ritzville Public Library

Credits. This page was last revised on June 18, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 17, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 17, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.