Downtown Memphis in Shelby County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

First Tennessee Bank

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 25, 2020

1. First Tennessee Bank Marker

Inscription. Despite the hardships and divided loyalties of the Civil War, First National Bank of Memphis received Charter No. 336 from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency on March 25, 1864. Renamed First Tennessee in 1971, the city's first federally chartered bank has been headquartered within blocks of its original 8 South Court Street location ever since. During the 1878 yellow fever epidemic, bookkeeper Charles Q. Harris single- handedly kept the bank open to serve customers and distribute relief funds to Memphians.

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4E 176.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 25, 1864.

Location. 35° 8.748′ N, 90° 3.074′ W. Marker is in Memphis, Tennessee, in Shelby County. It is in Downtown Memphis. Marker is at the intersection of North 2nd Street and Court Avenue, on the right when traveling south on North 2nd Street. Marker located in Court Square Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Memphis TN 38103, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Court Square Saved (here, next to this marker); James H. Malone

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(a few steps from this marker); WMC Radio Station (a few steps from this marker); Hattie Manely (a few steps from this marker); Wildcats (within shouting distance of this marker); 128 Court Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Tennessee Club (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas Alva Edison (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Memphis.

Also see . . .
1. Our History. Timeline by the company, now operating as First Horizon Bank. (Submitted on April 27, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. First Tennessee Bank. Tennessee Encyclopedia entry by Tennessee Historical Society. (Submitted on April 27, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 25, 2020

2. First Tennessee Bank Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 311 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 27, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.