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.

Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.

Show me all markers in:  Alexandria, LA  |  Rapides Parish  |  71301  |  Louisiana  |  United States of America

Commercial Building
The Guaranty Eagles
Post-Civil War Alexandria
Alexander Fulton Park
Alexandria
Thomas Courtland Manning
Arna Wendell Bontemps Home
The Rotary Club of Alexandria, Louisiana
City Of Alexandria Post Des Rapides
Alexandria Daily Town Talk / Old Courthouse Square

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.