Carnegie Library, Colorado Springs
Situated atop a hill with sweeping views of Pikes Peak, the Carnegie Library owes its existence to the generosity of General William Jackson Palmer, the town's esteemed founder, who donated the site for its construction. Andrew Carnegie, a renowned philanthropist, provided the substantial sum of $60,000 to cover the construction costs.
Designed by Calvin Kiessling, associated with the prestigious Boston firm Shepley, Rutan, and Coolidge, the Carnegie Library boasts a Classical Revival style with Roman influences, a hallmark of Carnegie libraries of the time. The design prioritizes optimal lighting and picturesque views of the Front Range through strategically placed windows. The building's aesthetic is further enhanced by ornate wrought iron embellishments crafted by the local Hassell Iron Works.
Since its completion in 1905, the Carnegie Library has served as a beacon of knowledge and culture, continuously operating as a library. In 1968, recognizing the need for expansion, a 60,000 square foot addition was constructed facing Cascade Avenue. This addition, known as the Palmer Wing, now houses the library's special collections and Local History resources, including invaluable records of General Palmer's Colorado Springs Company and the papers of local architect Thomas MacLaren. The Carnegie Library's historical and architectural significance is further underscored by its listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
Designed by Calvin Kiessling, associated with the prestigious Boston firm Shepley, Rutan, and Coolidge, the Carnegie Library boasts a Classical Revival style with Roman influences, a hallmark of Carnegie libraries of the time. The design prioritizes optimal lighting and picturesque views of the Front Range through strategically placed windows. The building's aesthetic is further enhanced by ornate wrought iron embellishments crafted by the local Hassell Iron Works.
Since its completion in 1905, the Carnegie Library has served as a beacon of knowledge and culture, continuously operating as a library. In 1968, recognizing the need for expansion, a 60,000 square foot addition was constructed facing Cascade Avenue. This addition, known as the Palmer Wing, now houses the library's special collections and Local History resources, including invaluable records of General Palmer's Colorado Springs Company and the papers of local architect Thomas MacLaren. The Carnegie Library's historical and architectural significance is further underscored by its listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Colorado Springs. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Carnegie Library on Map
Sight Name: Carnegie Library
Sight Location: Colorado Springs, USA (See walking tours in Colorado Springs)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Colorado Springs, USA (See walking tours in Colorado Springs)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Create Your Own Walk in Colorado Springs
Creating your own self-guided walk in Colorado Springs is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Colorado College Historical Buildings Walking Tour
Founded in 1874, Colorado College stands out as one of the earliest institutions in Colorado to confer academic degrees. It was established through the efforts of General William Palmer, the founder of Colorado Springs, and Henry McAllister, a director of the Colorado Springs Company, both of whom contributed land along Cascade Avenue for the campus, setting the foundation for the college's... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Colorado Springs Downtown Walking Tour
Colorado Springs, or simply "The Springs", is a city with a fascinating blend of eventful past and scenic natural beauty.
Throughout its history, Colorado Springs has evolved from a gold rush town into a significant military and educational center. The region that would become Colorado Springs was initially inhabited by the Ute, Arapaho, and Cheyenne peoples and became part of the... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Throughout its history, Colorado Springs has evolved from a gold rush town into a significant military and educational center. The region that would become Colorado Springs was initially inhabited by the Ute, Arapaho, and Cheyenne peoples and became part of the... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles