Old State Bank
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The Old State Bank in Decatur, Alabama, United States, opened its doors on July 29, 1833. It was authorized by the Alabama General Assembly in 1830 to be one of three branches of the Alabama State Bank. The two story Greek Revival structure has been standing for over a century and a half.
After outstanding debts of over $1 Millions dollars were unable to be reformed and the Decatur branch franchise was revoked, and the building remained vacant until the 1860s when it was one of the 3 buildings surviving the Civil War in Decatur, Alabama. During the Battle of Decatur in the Civil War, the bank was used as the headquarters of the Union Forces in the area, and was also used as a hospital while battles raged outside. Such evidence of the battle remains in the form of, visible blood stains in one of the three vaults, slugs from musketfire and minibullets are still clearly seen in the walls of the building.
In 1881, the First National Bank opened its doors in the Old State Bank building. But, when First National Bank completed its new office in 1902, the bank building was used as a residence and office by Dr. J.Y. Cantwell.
After signs of deterioration began to show themselves, Cantwell's grand niece, Mrs. W. B. Edmundson, deeded the building over to the City of Decatur in the year of 1933. Management of the structure was vested to an eight member Board of Governors. The petition for resoration was presented to the Civil Works Administration and restoration commenced.
Being one of only a handful of buildings to survive the War Between the States, and after going through the many changes over the years, the Old State Bank has become a symbol of historical significance to all who visit it.
By the year 1946, the building was deeded by its owner to the Morgan County American Legion, Post No.15.
In 1972, the Old State Bank was named to the National Register of Historical Places at the age of 139 years. Three years late, in 1975, the American Legion, Post No.15, donated the Old State Bank building to the City of Decatur, AL. Plans for restoration were put together in the year 1976, as the bank turned 143 years old, and was put under the control of the Old Bank Board members. Restoration of the bank was finished in the year 1983, at the age of 150.
In 1984, a curator was appointed, and daily tours were implemented.
A second wave of detailed restoration was undertaken in the years of 1995-1996, and was led by noted preservation architect, Harvie Jones. Funding was provided by the Alabama Historical Commission, the City of Decatur, and the Old Bank Board of Directors.
As of 2006, the Old State Bank in Decatur, Alabama is 173 years old.
[edit] Architecture
The Greek Revival architecture of the Bank is symbolic of the period in which it was built The five limestone columns across the front weigh 100-150 tons each and were mined in nearby Trinity.
Categories: Decatur, Alabama | Landmarks in Alabama | Morgan County, Alabama | Decatur Metropolitan Area | Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area | Greek Revival Buildings in Alabama | Buildings and structures in Alabama | Registered Historic Places in Alabama | Alabama in the American Civil War
