Built with a $25,000 gift from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, this building was designed by local architects, Frank B. Miller and Charles A. Opel. Construction was completed by Henry J. Wallau. The foundation stones came from the demolished home of Jefferson T. Rogers, an early mayor of Jefferson City and partner in the area's first banking house. The Carnegie Library, with accommodations for forty thousand volumes was dedicated December 24, 1902.

Circa 1900

After the public library moved into the present building next door, the Carnegie Library was to be razed for parking. On March 4, 1975, as demolition crews were placing barricades around the building, the Cole County Court filed a suit and won an injunction halting demolition. Andrew Carnegie endowed 33 public libraries in Missouri. Twenty-four are still used as libraries while only one has been demolished.

This old Court House was razed to make room for the new one.

Corner of High and Monroe Streets

Twenty-two proposals were submitted from architects around the country when Cole County asked for bids. Local architect Frank B. Miller was chosen. Costing less than $60,000, the structure was completed in April 1897. Carthage marble from Jasper County was used.

Corner of High and Monroe Streets​

One feature of the new courthouse eventually paid for itself. The fireproof vaults protected county records when the court house burned on March 14, 1918. The bonds financing construction had just been paid. An $80,000 insurance policy covered most of the rebuilding costs. A new copper steeple was installed in 1987.

Was on the corner of High and Jeffereson, approximately where the State Highway Building now stands.

One feature of the new courthouse eventually paid for itself. The fireproof vaults protected county records when the court house burned on March 14, 1918. The bonds financing construction had just been paid. An $80,000 insurance policy covered most of the rebuilding costs. A new copper steeple was installed in 1987.