First National Bank Building, circa 1930

First National Bank Building, circa 1930

Banks and banking

Whilldin, D.O. (David Oliver), 1881-1970

Merchant's Bank and Trust Company

Located at the northeast corner of University Boulevard and Greensboro Avenue, the 10-story building was designed by architect D.O. Whilldin and constructed for The Merchant's Bank and Trust Company. When the bank failed during the Depression, First National Bank honored its checks and moved into the building. The First National Bank merged with AmSouth and the building was called the AmSouth Building until it was sold to RBC Centura Bank in 2007.

The first home of First National Bank was at Broad Street (now University Boulevard) and 22nd Avenue. It was founded by Washington Moody and opened Nov. 20, 1871. The original bank building burned, but because of the good quality vault, neither cash, ledgers nor valuables were lost. The bank moved across the street to the Bell Tavern and Washington Hotel building (where city hall is now located) and continued business the following day.

The Bank then constructed a new building one block away at Broad Street and 23rd Avenue. The Bank used this building until 1930

Tuscaloosa News Archive

Circa 1930

Betty Slowe (Description)

Photograph

152

Tuscaloosa (AL)

Photograph

8 inches x 10 inches