Lake City in Florence County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Palmetto State Bank Robbery
Photographed by Jane Ruschky, May 29, 2017
1. Palmetto State Bank Robbery Marker
Constructed in 1907, this building originally housed Farmers and Merchants Bank. In 1934 the newly formed Palmetto State Bank opened here. On Sept. 5, 1934 the bank was robbed by three armed men. The bank had larger than normal deposits on hand because it was the height of tobacco marketing season and the group stole a reported $114,082. Frank English and his wife Geneva were the only people tried for the crime.
At trial it was alleged that English was an associate of George "Baby Face" Nelson, and that the notorious criminal was involved in the crime, but that was never proven. Frank English was sentenced to 25 years and Geneva English received one year as an accessory. Palmetto State failed due to the robbery, but depositors were repaid by the newly established FDIC. It was the first time an FDIC insured bank had closed in S.C.
Erected 2014 by Lynches Lake Historical Society. (Marker Number 21-42.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Law Enforcement • Notable Events. A significant historical date for this entry is September 5, 1934.
Location. 33° 52.381′ N, 79° 45.281′ W.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in South Carolina’s Pee Dee. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Huey Cooper 1873 - 1978 (within shouting distance of this marker); 111 West Main Street (within shouting distance of this marker); 115 West Main Street (within shouting distance of this marker); H.H. Singletary Building (within shouting distance of this marker); 104 & 106 East Main Street
Photographed by Jane Ruschky, May 29, 2017
2. Palmetto State Bank Robbery Marker
Photographed by Jane Ruschky, May 29, 2017
3. Palmetto State Bank Robbery Marker
Original bank building
Photographed by Jane Ruschky, May 29, 2017
4. Palmetto State Bank Robbery Marker
View from building
Credits. This page was last revised on May 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 30, 2017, by Jane Ruschky of Columbia, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,664 times since then and 99 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 30, 2017, by Jane Ruschky of Columbia, South Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
