Russellville in Logan County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Old Bank, Robbed 1868

Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 14, 2018

1. Old Bank, Robbed 1868 Marker

Inscription. Part of building erected about 1810 by Wm. Harrison, used as a residence by him and later by the Nortons. In 1857 front part built for Southern Bank of Ky. Building owned by Judge Hardy family sixty yrs. (1966). Mar. 20, 1868, it was scene of holdup by notorious Jesse James gang, who escaped with over $9,000 after they shot, slightly wounded bank president, N. Long.

Erected 1966 by Kentucky Historical Society and Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 969.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Jesse James, and the Kentucky Historical Society series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is March 20, 1868.

Location. 36° 50.615′ N, 86° 53.214′ W. Marker is in Russellville, Kentucky, in Logan County. Marker is at the intersection of South Main Street and West 6th Street, on the right when traveling south on South Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: South Main Street, Russellville KY 42276, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. United Methodist Temple (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Governor's Corner (about 400 feet away); 6 Pdr Field Cannon (about 600 feet away); Civil Rights Activist Author / Alice Allison Dunnigan 1906-1983

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(about 600 feet away); John Littlejohn (about 700 feet away); Confederate State Convention (about 700 feet away); Lewis and Clark in Kentucky / Death of Meriwether Lewis (about 700 feet away); To Honor Generals (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Russellville.

Also see . . . Russellville, Kentucky Bank Robbery. (Submitted on September 16, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)

Additional commentary.
1. More to the Story
The old bank later became our Russellville library, for me personally, circa 1950s; and they charged 2 cents for an overdue book. It also become the residence of the Joe Gran Clark family. I was Class of 1961, Russellville High School.

— Submitted April 2, 2023.

2. The Library holds many memories for me.
From the time I could read the Russellville Library was a Happy Place for me. My aunt lived within walking distance and I usually spent at least one week with her during the summer. I'd check out a big stack of books and read

Old Bank, Robbed 1868 Marker, under window on left side of door, at the former Judge Hardy house. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 14, 2018

2. Old Bank, Robbed 1868 Marker, under window on left side of door, at the former Judge Hardy house.

as many as I could before I went home, then keep the remainder until they expired. When I wasn't there for a long visit, I could always get back into town on a Saturday with some family member or another to do a book swap.

That old place was wonderful, with high ceilings, creaky stairs, the smell of old books & a white haired little old lady librarian who did not care if you spent hours sitting on the floor, reading. When I went to the desk to check out a big stack of books, she always smiled at my choices.

I am pleased it has been restored by the Gran-Clarks as a residence; it is a treasure. (I would love to time travel back to the days I spent there when I was young).

Sidebar: According to Family Legend, one of my great-grandfather's brothers traded a fresh horse to Jesse James during his escape from the robbery. He did not know about the robbery since he was far out in the country, so inadvertently aided a criminal's escape.

— Submitted May 17, 2023, by Claire Breakield Wood of Fort Worth, Texas.

Old Bank, Robbed 1868 Postcard image. Click for full size.

Courtesy University of Kentucky Archives

3. Old Bank, Robbed 1868 Postcard

Postcard of the Old Southern Bank Of Kentucky. The First Bank Robbed by Frank and Jesse James, a 17,000 dollar haul, Russellville, Ky., March 21, 1868. Source: University of Kentucky Libraries Special Collections Research Center.

"Jesse James Mural" in lobby of Southern Deposit Bank. image. Click for full size.

Courtesy University of Kentucky Archives

4. "Jesse James Mural" in lobby of Southern Deposit Bank.

Mural depicting 1868 robbery of Southern Bank of Kentucky, said to be the first bank robbed by Jesse James' gang. This institution now Southern Deposit Bank, has been in continuous operation since 1839. The original building, scene of the robbery, still stands at Sixth and Main Street, in Russellville, Kentucky. Painted by Burnard Wiley, 1033 Berwick Trail, Madison, Tenn. Source: University of Kentucky Libraries Special Collections Research Center.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 14, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 16, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 2,173 times since then and 274 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 16, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 3. submitted on September 17, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 4. submitted on October 8, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.