Citizens Banking Company
112-116 N. Main St., Baxley, GAThe Citizens Banking Company is significant in architecture as a fine example of a building built to be a bank and commercial structure during the early 20th-century Neoclassical era. It has two fine Neoclassical-styled entranceways that reflect classical details at their height. It exemplifies the strong, secured look that bankers sought in their turn-of-the-century buildings, obviously to stress the strength of their institution. It is also a good and relatively early use of poured reinforced concrete construction in a small Georgia town. The bank is significant in commerce as a good example of the development of a small-town pre-Depression banking and commercial institution in the early 20th century. The building of this structure was simultaneous with the institution being named a state bank, which meant it could receive state funds. The upstairs was originally occupied by attorneys, doctors, and dentists, but longest by the Southern Bell Telephone Exchange. The downstairs commercial area was largely occupied by the Empire Store which sold clothing and merchandise. The building's history as a bank took its first major downward turn when it had to be sold at auction in 1917. The building later housed two subsequent banks, the last leaving in 1977.
Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
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.