Alexandria in Rapides Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
Alexandria Library
Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, November 17, 2010
1. Alexandria Library Marker
Inscription.
Alexandria Library. . This site, located in the town's center square, was set aside for public use on the original town plat commissioned by Alexander Fulton in 1805. The building was constructed solely for advancement of culture and learning in 1907 by Caldwell Brothers, Contractors, and Crosby + Henkel of New Orleans, Architects. It replaced an earlier library burned by Gen. Nathaniel Banks' federal troops May 13, 1864. Area businessman S.S. Bryan matched a $10,000.00 grant from Pittsburgh philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. The funds were given for a free public library with the stipulation that the City provide a "site and maintenance forever." An accepting ordinance was adopted by Alexandria's Board of Aldermen May 7, 1907. The Alexandria City Council in 1971 adopted a resolution designating the building as the Alexandria Historical and Genealogical Library and Museum. It was restored as a Bicentennial project. Through the date of the placing of this marker, 1990, the building remains in public ownership as the City's only public building over 75 years old used for its original purpose. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places January 19, 1989.
This site, located in the town's center square, was set aside for public use on the original town plat commissioned by Alexander Fulton in 1805. The building was constructed solely for advancement of culture and learning in 1907 by Caldwell Brothers, Contractors, and Crosby + Henkel of New Orleans, Architects. It replaced an earlier library burned by Gen. Nathaniel Banks' federal troops May 13, 1864. Area businessman S.S. Bryan matched a $10,000.00 grant from Pittsburgh philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. The funds were given for a free public library with the stipulation that the City provide a "site and maintenance forever." An accepting ordinance was adopted by Alexandria's Board of Aldermen May 7, 1907. The Alexandria City Council in 1971 adopted a resolution designating the building as the Alexandria Historical and Genealogical Library and Museum. It was restored as a Bicentennial project. Through the date of the placing of this marker, 1990, the building remains in public ownership as the City's only public building over 75 years old used for its original purpose. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places January 19, 1989.
Erected 1990 by Sponsored by Dorothy Tudor McWhorter.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education
Location. 31° 18.547′ N, 92° 26.685′ W. Marker is in Alexandria, Louisiana, in Rapides Parish. Marker is at the intersection of Washington Street and 5th Street, on the right when traveling north on Washington Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 503 Washington Street, Alexandria LA 71301, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Plaque and picture located on the left wall of the foyer.
In memory of Simpson Sheppard Bryan 1849-1909 The inspirer, organizer and benefactor of this library A life devoted to truth and rectitude
Credits. This page was last revised on March 18, 2017. It was originally submitted on November 22, 2010, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,395 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 22, 2010, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
