Tallahassee in Leon County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Union Bank of Florida
By Bill Pfingsten, April 6, 2014
1. The Union Bank of Florida Marker
Completed in 1841, the Union Bank is Florida's oldest surviving bank building. The business was chartered in 1833 as a planters' bank from which plantation owners could borrow against their land and slave holdings. The bank operated in a private house called "The Columns" until 1841. With John Gamble as its first and only president, it served as Florida's major territorial bank. The bank failed in 1843 because of crop failures, the Second Seminole War, and unsound banking practices.After remaining unused for nearly 25 years, the building reopened in 1868 as the National Freedman's Savings and Trust Company, serving emancipated slaves and refugees. Starting in 1874, the building functioned in a variety of ways---as a church, shoe factory, beauty shop, and dance studio.
Originally located near the southwest corner of Adams Street and Park Avenue, the structure was moved to this site in 1971. The Union Bank building was restored and opened to the public as a museum in 1984.
Erected 1998 by Florida Heritage Landmark sponsored by the Union Bank Restoration Committee and The Museum of Florida
By Bill Pfingsten, April 6, 2014
2. The Union Bank of Florida
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce.
Location. 30° 26.284′ N, 84° 16.796′ W. Marker is in Tallahassee, Florida, in Leon County. Marker is at the intersection of Apalachee Parkway and S. Calhoun Street on Apalachee Parkway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tallahassee FL 32301, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Leon County Civil War Monument (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Capt. John Parkhill (about 300 feet away); Old Capitol of Florida (about 400 feet away); Florida Liberty Bell Replica (about 500 feet away); Florida Sri Chinmoy Peace State (about 500 feet away); Leon County (about 600 feet away); Lewis Bank (about 700 feet away); USS Tallahassee (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tallahassee.
By Bill Pfingsten, April 6, 2014
3. The Union Bank of Florida
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 17, 2014, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 393 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 17, 2014, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.
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