New Bedford in Bristol County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Double Bank
Photographed by Bryan Simmons, August 2012
1. Double Bank Marker
As you gaze across Water Street toward the eight-pillar institution, compare closely what you see in the photograph with what stands here today. Built in 1831, the building was designed by architect Russell Warren. For 61 years the building housed two banks-Merchants Bank on the right and Mechanics Bank on the left. The prosperous whaling elite walked their money through the right door, while humble shopkeepers and skilled tradespeople marched their money through the left.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1831.
Location. 41° 38.138′ N, 70° 55.381′ W. Marker is in New Bedford, Massachusetts, in Bristol County. It is on Williams Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New Bedford MA 02740, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the South Coast. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. 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 one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: On This Site (here, next to this marker); Rodman Candleworks (within shouting distance of this marker); Centre Street (within shouting distance of this marker); New Bedford Lights the World (within shouting distance of this marker); Preserving Whaling's Legacy (within shouting distance of this marker); Utility Over Elegance
this page online
Photographed by Bryan Simmons, August 2012
2. Double Bank Marker
Photographed by Adam Margolis, September 15, 2025
3. Double Bank Marker
Photographed by Adam Margolis, September 15, 2025
4. Double Bank Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 8, 2012, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 779 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 8, 2012, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts. 3, 4. submitted on November 27, 2025, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
