North Beach in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Italian American Bank

Landmark Financial Institution - 270 Columbus Ave.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, July 11, 2020

1. Italian American Bank Marker

Inscription. In 1899 Andrea Sbarboro incorporated the Italian American Bank, the second bank in San Francisco to be owned and operated by and for Italians. Sbarboro modeled the bank after cooperative banks he had seen in Philadelphia, which operated similarly to contemporary credit unions. The North Beach branch located at the southeast corner of Broadway and Columbus was opened on January 1, 1923, and still houses the original vauts in the building's basement. The Italian American bank was eventually absorbed by the Banca d'Italia, which later became the Bank of America.

Erected 2018 by Top of Broadway Community Benefits District.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is January 1, 1923.

Location. 37° 47.87′ N, 122° 24.383′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is in North Beach. It is at the intersection of Broadway and Columbus Avenue, on the right when traveling east on Broadway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 270 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco CA 94133, United States of

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America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on California’s Coast Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Old Broadway Jail (a few steps from this marker); The Condor (within shouting distance of this marker); Finnochio's (within shouting distance of this marker); The Lusty Lady (within shouting distance of this marker); Peter Macchiarini Steps (within shouting distance of this marker); Lupo’s Restaurant (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Devil's Acre & Battle Row (about 300 feet away); The Saloon (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.

Italian American Bank Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, July 11, 2020

2. Italian American Bank Marker - wide view

The marker is visible here, embedded in the sidewalk just to the right of the fire hydrant.

The Italian American Bank (looking across Broadway) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, July 11, 2020

3. The Italian American Bank (looking across Broadway)

The former bank, now a restaurant, is located on the corner of Broadway and Columbus.

<i>Andrea Sbarboro - Banker and President Italian Swiss Colony</i> image. Click for full size.

Hamilton Henry Dobbin (courtesy of the California State Library), 1915

4. Andrea Sbarboro - Banker and President Italian Swiss Colony

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 17, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 1,090 times since then and 62 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 17, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.