Bank of Florence

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Bank of Florence
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Bank of Florence (USA)
Bank of Florence
Location: Omaha, NE
Coordinates: 41°20′14.72″N 95°57′38.01″W / 41.3374222, -95.9605583Coordinates: 41°20′14.72″N 95°57′38.01″W / 41.3374222, -95.9605583
Built/Founded: 1856
Architect: Unknown
Architectural style(s): Greek Revival
Added to NRHP: October 15, 1969
NRHP Reference#: 69000130 [1]
Governing body: Private

The Bank of Florence was an early wildcat bank located at 8502 North 30th Street in Florence, Nebraska Territory. After originally opening in the 1850s, it closed and reopened in 1904. Today the building that housed the bank is on the National Register of Historic Places, and is the oldest building in Omaha.[2]

[edit] About

The Town of Florence was founded on the ruins of Winter Quarters, with dozens of small buildings still intact from the early Mormon pioneer settlement. The town was a speculator's dream, and quickly built.[3]

The Bank of Florence was built as a wildcat bank for speculators to make an easy profit. Many of the early investors included members of the land company that founded the nearby town of Saratoga, as well as local businessmen. When the Panic of 1857 hit, many local townspeople and farmers were financially drained.[4]

The building reopened as the Second Bank of Florence in 1904, and was restored as a landmark in the 1980s.

[edit] References

  1. ^ National Register Information System. National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service (2007-01-23).
  2. ^ Bank of Florence City of Omaha website.
  3. ^ Reeves, R. (n.d.) "Douglas County History". University of Nebraska.
  4. ^ Bristow, D. (1997) A Dirty, Wicked Town: Tale of 19th Century Omaha. Caxton Press.

[edit] External links

Landmarks in Florence, Nebraska

Bank of Florence • Florence Depot • Florence Firehouse • Florence Mill • Florence School • Keirle House • Old People's Home • Mormon Ferry Tollhouse • Mormon Pioneer Cemetery • Mormon Pioneer Memorial Bridge • Notre Dame Academy and Convent • Potter's Field Cemetery • Winter Quarters Nebraska Temple

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