First National Bank, circa 1900

First National Bank, circa 1900

Banks and banking

This is a photograph of the First National Bank building located on Broad Street (now University Avenue) and 23rd Avenue. The first home of the 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 when it moved into the 10-story bank building built by Merchant's Bank and Trust at the corner of Broad Street (now University Boulevard) and Market Street (now Greensboro Avenue). This 10-story building was designed by architect D.O. Whilldin.

When The Merchant's Bank and Trust Company 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.

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