Cairo in Ritchie County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Unusual Architecture
- Bank of Cairo -
Photographed by Bradley Owen, May 29, 2026
1. Unusual Architecture Marker
This photograph of the Bank of Cairo as it appeared in the 1920's (at right), illustrates how little change has occurred through the years. Built in 1896, and on the National Register of Historical Places, the Italianate architecture was not typical for this area.
This photograph shows the interior of the bank, circa 1920. The building has survived floods, robberies, and train wrecks. It ceased doing business as a bank in 1974, and later was donated to the Town of Cairo. A barber shop, still in use, resides in its lower level.
If you turn to your right and look across the river, you can picture what it must have been like for the photographer who took this picture in 1916. He was standing just on the other side looking back at where you are now. The swinging bridge has been long since replaced, but the bell that can be seen at the top of the opposite trestle is still around, and is now located just to your right.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1896.
Location. 39° 12.507′ N, 81° 9.386′ W. Marker is in Cairo, West Virginia, in Ritchie County. It
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Regionally, this marker is in West Virginia’s Little Kanawha Valley. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in 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.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Many Uses Under One Roof! (a few steps from this marker); Town Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Ritchie County Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Ritchie County Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Raiders In Harrisville (approx. 5½ miles away); Ritchie County Courthouse (approx. 5.6 miles away); a different marker also named Ritchie County Veterans Memorial (approx. 5.6 miles away); Harrisville (approx. 5.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cairo.
Also see . . . Bank of Cairo National Register of Historic Places Registration Form.
The Bank of Cairo, currently the Cairo Town Hall, represents the broad history of the community in which it was constructed. Originally built during the boom years of the state's northern oil fields, the building is a remnant from the town's brief industrial heyday. The Bank of Cairo building housed the community's primary financial institution from 1897 to 1931 and from 1941 to 1974. This stylish(Submitted on June 1, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.)structure was constructed ca. 1897 and was designed both to foster the confidence of the town's new investors and to encourage the construction of a new downtown district. While Cairo did not enjoy lasting industrial prominence, the Bank of Cairo's new role as the Cairo Town Hall and as a tourist stop on the North Bend Rails to Trails system demonstrates the building's continued importance to the Town of Cairo.Photographed by Bradley Owen, May 29, 20262. Unusual Architecture Marker and Bank of Cairo Building
Credits. This page was last revised on June 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 1, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 1, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
