Bank of Glen Jean
New River Gorge National River
— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
From 1909 to 1939, the Bank of Glen Jean provided financial power for the mines, towns, and people along Dunloup Creek, shaping the lives of many in the New River coal fields. William McKell served as president for the bank's entire existence directing the bank and his own considerable financial holdings. McKell died shortly after the bank closed and for the next 50 years the building changed hands many times. In 1986 The Nature Conservancy purchased the building and donated it to New River Gorge National River. Today it provides office space for park staff and climate-controlled storage for historic files and objects.
William McKell's offices were initially on the second floor of the bank and later relocated into a 1917 addition on the far end of the building. Here he successfully guided the bank through the Great Depression during the 1930s.
A Loan of the People, by the People, and for the People
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Bank of Glen Jean
Glen Jean, W. V.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1909.
Location. 37° 55.705′ N, 81° 9.339′ W. Marker is in Glen Jean, West Virginia, in Fayette County. Marker is at the intersection of Glen Jean Lane (Local Road 94) and McKell Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Glen Jean Lane. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Glen Jean WV 25846, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Play Ball! (here, next to this marker); Glen Jean (within shouting distance of this marker); Glen Jean Athletic Club (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mount Hope Landmarks (approx. 2 miles away); Mount Hope Early Town History (approx. 2 miles away); Mount Hope Coal History (approx. 2 miles away); Dubois School History (approx. 2 miles away); Mount Hope School History (approx. 2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Glen Jean.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 23, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 21, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 162 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 21, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
