Columbus in Muscogee County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Synovus
Photographed by Mark Hilton, April 9, 2026
1. Synovus Marker
Synovus began in 1888 with the establishment of the Third National Bank of Columbus and the Columbus Savings Bank, renamed Columbus Bank and Trust in 1927. Bank President W.C. Bradley merged the two organizations in 1930 to form Columbus Bank and Trust Company (CB&T). In the 1950s, under James W. Blanchard's leadership, CB&T got an early start in the credit card business, which later became TSYS (Total System Services, Inc.). In 1971, James H. Blanchard succeeded his father as president at CB&T, and contributed to the Georgia legislature passing the multibank holding company bill in 1976. CB&T Bancshares, Inc. became the first bank holding company in Georgia. CB&T Bancshares expanded into other southeastern states, and in 1989 became Synovus Financial Corp., now one of the largest financial institutions in the Southeast.
Erected 2020 by the Georgia Historical Society and Synovus Financial Corp. (Marker Number 106-5.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1888.
Location. 32° 28.113′ N, 84° 59.578′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Georgia, in Muscogee County. It is at the
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Piedmont. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, 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: Kirven's Department Store (within shouting distance of this marker); City of Columbus (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Ledger-Enquirer Newspapers (about 400 feet away); Oglethorpe House (about 400 feet away); First Black Public School (about 500 feet away); Trinity Episcopal Church (about 500 feet away); First Presbyterian Church (about 600 feet away); Eagle & Phenix Mills (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.
Photographed by Mark Hilton, April 9, 2026
2. Synovus Marker to left of light pole.
Photographed by Mark Hilton, April 9, 2026
3. View of Synovus Marker looking north on Broadway.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 9, 2026, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 9, 2026, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
