McNab Bank Building
a.k.a. Lewis Agency
Broad St., Eufaula, ALThis beautiful iron-front building is one of the oldest standing bank buildings in Alabama. During most of its early history, Alabama had a state monopoly on banking. In the 1840's this system began to come into disfavor and a free bank law was passed in 1850. This law provided for one free bank to be chartered at each session of the legislature.
These banks provided a circulation medium for the trade and funds needed for the state when other money was not available. The Eastern Bank of Alabama was one of these early free banks. It was chartered in the session of 1858, to provide circulation for South East Alabama.
The building was built on lot 4, block A, Robin Hood plan of Irwintown. In 1836 this lot was owned by Samuel Cowan, a physician who fought in the Indian Wars.
The building was built by John McNab for his Eastern Bank of Alabama. There has been controversy over the actual date of construction. Dr. Peter Brannon, who was Director of Archives and History, gives the date as 1853 to 1869 Brannon thought the later date probably correct.
John McNab was a Scots banker, who settled in Eufaula when the town was still named Irwintown. He became the most opulent citizen of the old Bluff City. Born on the Isle of Islay, off the coast of Scotland became the most picturesque figure of his day; banker, churchman intendant of the town, and played so conspicuous a role in the financial history that legend of him reached abroad.
The Eastern Bank of Alabama operated under this name until some time after 1864. No exact date has been found for the name change, but it was changed to the John McNab Bank and was operated as such until 1891.
Offices in the back part of the building opening on Randolph Street were occupied for many years by Chauncey Sparks; legislator, circuit judge, and Governor of Alabama from 1934 to 1947.
The bank was restored in 1965 by Mr. T. J. Lewis, Jr., and T. J. Lewis, hiring restoration one wall was found stuffed with $20 bank notes of the Old Eastern Bank. The original sign on which the old name was painted was found and placed in a museum.
Local significance of the building:
These banks provided a circulation medium for the trade and funds needed for the state when other money was not available. The Eastern Bank of Alabama was one of these early free banks. It was chartered in the session of 1858, to provide circulation for South East Alabama.
The building was built on lot 4, block A, Robin Hood plan of Irwintown. In 1836 this lot was owned by Samuel Cowan, a physician who fought in the Indian Wars.
The building was built by John McNab for his Eastern Bank of Alabama. There has been controversy over the actual date of construction. Dr. Peter Brannon, who was Director of Archives and History, gives the date as 1853 to 1869 Brannon thought the later date probably correct.
John McNab was a Scots banker, who settled in Eufaula when the town was still named Irwintown. He became the most opulent citizen of the old Bluff City. Born on the Isle of Islay, off the coast of Scotland became the most picturesque figure of his day; banker, churchman intendant of the town, and played so conspicuous a role in the financial history that legend of him reached abroad.
The Eastern Bank of Alabama operated under this name until some time after 1864. No exact date has been found for the name change, but it was changed to the John McNab Bank and was operated as such until 1891.
Offices in the back part of the building opening on Randolph Street were occupied for many years by Chauncey Sparks; legislator, circuit judge, and Governor of Alabama from 1934 to 1947.
The bank was restored in 1965 by Mr. T. J. Lewis, Jr., and T. J. Lewis, hiring restoration one wall was found stuffed with $20 bank notes of the Old Eastern Bank. The original sign on which the old name was painted was found and placed in a museum.
Commerce; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The state of Alabama played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s. The Montgomery Bus Boycott, which was sparked by Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her seat on a bus, took place in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955. The city was also the site of the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965, which were a key event in the struggle for voting rights for African Americans.
About Barbour County
Barbour County Timeline
Barbour County, located in southeastern Alabama, has a rich history that dates back to its establishment in 1832. The region was originally inhabited by the Creek Native American tribe, until the Indian Removal Act of 1830 forced them to relocate westward. The county was named after James Barbour, a U.S. senator and 18th-century Virginia governor.
In the early years, Barbour County's economy was predominantly driven by agriculture. Plantations were established, with cotton being the primary crop cultivated by enslaved African Americans. The county thrived during the antebellum period, but the Civil War brought significant changes. Barbour County experienced the devastating effects of the conflict, with battles taking place in nearby areas and the decline of the plantation system.
Following the war, Barbour County faced the challenges of Reconstruction. The county's economy shifted to focus on timber, mining, and manufacturing, particularly with the establishment of sawmills. The railroad industry also played a crucial role in developing the county, linking it to other parts of Alabama and facilitating trade and transportation.
During the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, Barbour County became a site of significant activism and resistance. African Americans, led by prominent local leaders including William T. Baxley and J.L. Chestnut Jr., fought for equal rights and against racial segregation. These efforts led to notable achievements, such as the desegregation of public facilities and the increase in African American political representation.
Today, Barbour County continues to be an agricultural hub, with farming and forestry as important sectors of the local economy. The county's history is celebrated through various heritage festivals and events, reflecting the diverse cultures and influences that have shaped its past.
In the early years, Barbour County's economy was predominantly driven by agriculture. Plantations were established, with cotton being the primary crop cultivated by enslaved African Americans. The county thrived during the antebellum period, but the Civil War brought significant changes. Barbour County experienced the devastating effects of the conflict, with battles taking place in nearby areas and the decline of the plantation system.
Following the war, Barbour County faced the challenges of Reconstruction. The county's economy shifted to focus on timber, mining, and manufacturing, particularly with the establishment of sawmills. The railroad industry also played a crucial role in developing the county, linking it to other parts of Alabama and facilitating trade and transportation.
During the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, Barbour County became a site of significant activism and resistance. African Americans, led by prominent local leaders including William T. Baxley and J.L. Chestnut Jr., fought for equal rights and against racial segregation. These efforts led to notable achievements, such as the desegregation of public facilities and the increase in African American political representation.
Today, Barbour County continues to be an agricultural hub, with farming and forestry as important sectors of the local economy. The county's history is celebrated through various heritage festivals and events, reflecting the diverse cultures and influences that have shaped its past.
Barbour County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Barbour County, Alabama.
- 1832 - Barbour County is created by an act of the Alabama State Legislature.
- 1833 - The county seat is established in Louisville, Alabama.
- 1834 - The first courthouse is completed in Louisville.
- 1863 - During the American Civil War, the county is occupied by Union troops.
- 1868 - The county seat is moved from Louisville to Clayton.
- 1893 - The first railroad, the Alabama Midland Railway, is completed in the county.
- 1903 - The town of Eufaula becomes the largest city in Barbour County.
- 1929 - The Great Depression begins, negatively affecting the county's economy.
- 1941 - Barbour County contributes soldiers to World War II.
- 1965 - Civil rights activism takes place in the county during the Selma to Montgomery marches.
- 2000 - Barbour County's population reaches its peak at over 29,000 residents.