Caldwell in Sumner County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Stock Exchange Bank
Photographed By Mark Hilton, August 2, 2016
1. The Stock Exchange Bank Marker
Inscription.
The Stock Exchange Bank is the oldest business in Caldwell and occupies one of the oldest surviving buildings in town. It received a State Charter on November 12, 1881 and opened for business the following December 24th. The stone building erected to house the bank in 1881, at a cost of $5,000, is still in use but has undergone several major remodeling projects. The steerhead emblem has always been associated with the bank which was allied with the cattle business of the southwest from the beginning. The bank has a colorful history being witness to Caldwell's cowtown era. In the main lobby is a pair of cattle horns measuring 7' 2" across, brought from southern Texas during the early cattle drives. At one time the bank's vault held 100,000 silver dollars to pay Indian allotments as the Indians would not accept paper money., The first officers were Major A. Drumm, President; Charles H. Moore, Cashier; and John W. Nyce, Assistant Cashier., Major Drumm came to Caldwell in the early 1870s on a cattle drive from Texas over the Chisholm Trail. He established the "U" Ranch in Indian Territory near Caldwell in 1874. Drumm later founded the Cherokee Strip Livestock Association which was instrumental in founding the bank. The Livestock Association's offices were at one time located on the second story over the bank. Drumm also founded the Kiowa Town Company which established the city of Kiowa, Kansas.
The Stock Exchange Bank is the oldest business in Caldwell and occupies one of the oldest surviving buildings in town. It received a State Charter on November 12, 1881 and opened for business the following December 24th. The stone building erected to house the bank in 1881, at a cost of $5,000, is still in use but has undergone several major remodeling projects. The steerhead emblem has always been associated with the bank which was allied with the cattle business of the southwest from the beginning. The bank has a colorful history being witness to Caldwell's cowtown era. In the main lobby is a pair of cattle horns measuring 7' 2" across, brought from southern Texas during the early cattle drives. At one time the bank's vault held 100,000 silver dollars to pay Indian allotments as the Indians would not accept paper money.
The first officers were Major A. Drumm, President; Charles H. Moore, Cashier; and John W. Nyce, Assistant Cashier.
Major Drumm came to Caldwell in the early 1870s on a cattle drive from Texas over the Chisholm Trail. He established the "U" Ranch in Indian Territory near Caldwell in 1874. Drumm later founded the Cherokee Strip Livestock Association which was instrumental in founding the bank. The Livestock Association's offices were at one time located on the second story over the bank. Drumm also
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founded the Kiowa Town Company which established the city of Kiowa, Kansas.
Erected 1993 by The Caldwell Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. A significant historical date for this entry is November 12, 1881.
Location. 37° 1.875′ N, 97° 36.424′ W. Marker is in Caldwell, Kansas, in Sumner County. Marker is at the intersection of South Main Street (U.S. 81) and West 1st Avenue, on the right when traveling south on South Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 103 South Main Street, Caldwell KS 67022, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 6, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 6, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 360 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on August 6, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
