Old Continental State Bank
312 Oak St., Roanoke, TXPlatted in 1881 by the Texas & Pacific Railroad, the town of Roanoke was to serve as a major shipping point for the large cattle ranches of southern Denton County for many years. Several ranches in the vicinity had thousands of head of grazing cattle at any given time; the Sam Reynolds Ranch, which began some two miles north of town, by itself consisted of over 8,000 acres of fenced grazing land.
For more than 20 years following the town's founding, area cattlemen conducted their business without the use of a local bank. Typical of business dealings in frontier communities, cattle buying and selling occurred with large amounts of cash changing hands, and agreements being sealed usually with a handshake. By the beginning of the twentieth century, however, Sam Reynolds and other local ranchers and businessmen recognized the growing need for a local bank where cash could safely be handled and deposited, and where business transactions could be made someplace other than in one of the many local saloons. Without a local bank, cowboy couriers had, for two decades, been sent the eighteen miles to Fort Worth or fifteen to Denton to obtain or deposit cash. The danger of robbery or embezzlement had increased, however, and the opening of the Continental State Bank in 1906 provided a safe, stable place for cattle business and deposits. Over twenty local retail businesses also utilized the bank's services during the prosperous period of Roanoke's history.
The Great Depression of the 1930s brought changing conditions in the ranching industry and altered credit needs and banking habits in the agricultural communities of northern Texas. In 1936, the main office of the Continental Bank in Fort Worth deeded the Roanoke building to Claude W. Fanning, a local businessman who, as clerk-treasurer, operated the Roanoke Federal Credit Union in the building until 1959. Thus the structure continued to serve the financial needs of Roanoke and retained its place as the economic center of the community for another two decades.
Few of the structures representing the area's period of prosperity, from 1881 to 1929, remain today in Roanoke. Recent restoration has stabilized the exterior of the Continental State Bank Building while retaining its significant interior details. It remains the most intact historic commercial building in the community.
The bank is nominated in the areas of architecture and commerce. While it is a relatively simple building architecturally, and commercially its influence never extended beyond the hamlet of Roanoke, it is nonetheless true that the interior fittings-pressed-tin ceilings, safe door frontispiece, and especially the cabinetry-- are a rare and unusually intact survival for a turn-of-the-century commercial building in its region.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
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.
In the late 19th century, Texas became known for its cattle drives, in which cowboys would move herds of cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas and other northern states. The cattle drives were dangerous and difficult work, but they played a key role in the development of the American cattle industry.
Denton County was officially established in 1846 and named after John B. Denton, a prominent figure in Texas history. The county played a significant role in the early days of Texas statehood and witnessed the challenges and triumphs of westward expansion.
Throughout the 19th century, Denton County thrived due to the expansion of railroads and the arrival of new settlers. Agriculture, particularly the production of cotton, became a key economic driver. Educational institutions, such as the University of North Texas and Texas Woman's University, were founded in Denton County during this period, establishing a legacy of academic excellence.
In the 20th century, Denton County continued to evolve. The discovery of oil in the area brought new economic opportunities, and the county experienced further growth and urbanization. Today, Denton County is a dynamic and thriving region with a diverse economy that includes sectors such as education, healthcare, technology, and manufacturing.
Denton County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Denton County, Texas.
Native American Inhabitation: Before European settlement, Denton County was home to various Native American tribes, including the Wichita and Tonkawa.
Anglo-American Settlement: In the mid-1800s, Anglo-American settlers began to arrive, drawn by the fertile land and prospects for farming and ranching. The Peters Colony, a land grant company, played a significant role in attracting these settlers.
County Formation: Denton County was officially established in 1846, named after John B. Denton, a prominent preacher and soldier who died during the Texas Revolution.
Growth and Development: The county's growth accelerated with the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s, leading to the establishment of towns such as Denton, Lewisville, and Frisco. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became a key economic driver in the region.
Education: Denton County became an educational hub with the founding of the University of North Texas (formerly known as North Texas Normal College) in 1890. The university has since grown into a major educational institution.
Modernization and Urbanization: In the 20th century, Denton County experienced suburban growth and industrial development, especially with the expansion of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The county's population has steadily increased, and it is now one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas.