Columbia in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

First National Bank Museum

Photographed by William Pope, March 24, 2024

1. First National Bank Museum Marker

Inscription. Chartered in 1864, The First National Bank of Columbia played a key role in the growth and development of Columbia. Marvelous details from the bank's working years survive, such as the walnut paying-and-receiving teller cages, the furnishings of the President's office the impressive walk-in vault, and the original check-canceller consisting of a tree stump and a specially-designed hammer. The bullet hole, where the only known attempted robbery at this bank was foiled, still exists! The bank occupies the two front rooms of the 1814 Federal-style townhouse built for James Wright, Jr, grandson of Columbia's founding father, John Wright, Sr. Later, the Detwiler family occupied the property for over 100 years from 1852 until 1954. Since 1958, the property has been lovingly restored and maintained by the Motter and Stark families.

Guided private and semi-private tours are available by reservation for individuals or groups throughout the year from:
11 am until 4 pm every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

To book your tour, go to: www.bankmuseum.org or Call/Text/WhatsApp: 717.341.7229, or Email: [email protected]

(caption)
Built in 1814, the First National Bank Museum is among Columbia's oldest historic sites and is one of the oldest banks in

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

the United States.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1864.

Location. 40° 1.845′ N, 76° 30.244′ W. Marker is in Columbia, Pennsylvania, in Lancaster County. It is at the intersection of South Second Street and Locust Street, on the right when traveling south on South Second Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 170 Locust St, Columbia PA 17512, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South-Central Pennsylvania, specifically in Pennsylvania Dutch Country,

and in the Susquehanna Valley.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: First National Bank (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named First National Bank Museum (here, next to this marker); Shawnee Apartments (a few steps from this marker); Odd Fellows Hall (a few steps from this marker); Susquehannock Apartments (within shouting distance of this marker); First English Evangelical Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Columbia Bank & Bridge Company (about 300 feet away); Zeamer's Pharmacy (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbia.

Photographed by William Pope, March 24, 2024

2. First National Bank Museum Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 1, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 31, 2024, by William Pope of Marietta, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 224 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 31, 2024, by William Pope of Marietta, Pennsylvania. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.