St. John's in Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland and Labrador — The Atlantic Provinces (North America)
Former Bank of British North America
L’ancienne Bank of North America
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 22, 2014
1. Former Bank of British North America Marker
English
This Italianate style building recalls evolution of banking in Newfoundland, Designed by Halifax architect David Stirling for the Bank of British North America, it opened in 1850 at a time when British investors controlled banking in the colony. Subsequent local ownership by the Commercial Bank (1857-1894) and the Savings Bank (1897-1962) points to a long and vibrant period when Newfoundland investors shaped the colony’s financial institutions. The Bank of Montreal then operated here until 1985, bringing to a close the building’s remarkable 135-year history as a bank.
French
this page online
Erected 2000 by Historic Sites and Monument Board of Canada/Commission de lieux et monuments historique du Canada.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Historic Sites and Monuments Board series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.
Location. 47° 33.951′ N, 52° 42.386′ W. Marker is in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, in Avalon Peninsula. It is on Duckworth Street close to Soloman's Lane, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 276 Duckworth Street, St John's NL A1C, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Newfoundland and Labrador’s Avalon Peninsula. It is also in Atlantic Canada. 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 a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, and Acadia.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bank of British North America (here, next to this marker); William Carson (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Masonic Temple (about 90 meters away); John Reeves (about 150 meters away); St. John the Baptist Anglican Cathedral (about 180 meters away); Gower Street United Church (about 210 meters away); St. John’s Court House (about 240 meters away); The Newfoundland National War Memorial (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. John's.
Additional keywords.
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 22, 2014
2. Former Bank of British North America Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 21, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 21, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 606 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 21, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
