Old Houston National Bank
a.k.a. Franklin Bank
202 Main St., Houston, TXThe Houston National Bank was first chartered as a National Bank in 1889, as successor to the FOX Bank, a private Bank organized in 1876. The name was changed to the Houston National Exchange Bank in 1909, and to the Houston National Bank in 1923. At the close of 1926, the bank was purchased by R. S. Sterling and Associates, and a new directorate was chosen. The new ownership came about as a result of a bank merger and the Houston National Bank became one of the largest Houston banks. C. S. E. Holland was chosen as the first president, while Sterling acted as the Chairman of the Houston National Bank Board. Sterling had been one of the founders of Humble Oil and Refining Company, Chairman of the Harris County Navigation Board, and Chairman of the Texas Highway Commission. Under new leadership, the Board decided that their facilities were inadequate and made plans for a new banking house to be located in Houston's financial center. The Directors decided to erect a building. which would serve only as a banking house and office for the Houston National Bank. The firm of Hedrick and Gottlieb was chosen as architects. In September 1928, the Houston National Bank moved into its new facilities and was located at 202 Main until 1964.
Following a merger with Tennessee Bank and Trust Company in 1964, the Houston National Bank moved to the Tenneco Building at 1010 Milam. Only a few months after the building was vacated, a new banking institution, the Downtown Bank, was incorporated. On February 25, 1965, they moved to the old Houston National Bank Building at 202 Main St. In 1970 the bank restored the interior and renamed the Franklin Bank. However, in March 1975, the Franklin Bank went into receivership and the building has been vacant since that time. Local preservationists are concerned about the future of the building and hope that the National Register designation will encourage preservation efforts.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
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.
Texas is home to the world's largest bat colony. The Bracken Bat Cave, near San Antonio, is home to millions of Mexican free-tailed bats.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, Harris County experienced rapid economic diversification and growth. The discovery of oil in the Spindletop field fueled Houston's emergence as an energy and petrochemical hub. Industries like cotton, lumber, shipping, and manufacturing thrived. NASA's Johnson Space Center further solidified the county's significance in space exploration and technology.
Harris County's demographic diversity is a defining aspect, attracting immigrants from various backgrounds. Houston became a cosmopolitan city with a vibrant culinary scene, dynamic arts community, and diverse festivals, reflecting its multicultural fabric.
Today, Harris County remains an influential economic and cultural center. Its strong economy spans energy, healthcare, technology, and international trade. The county houses renowned medical facilities and research institutions. Despite facing natural disasters, Harris County showcases resilience and implements measures to mitigate their impact.
With its rich history, economic vitality, multiculturalism, and ongoing growth, Harris County continues to shape Texas as a thriving hub of commerce, culture, and innovation.
Harris County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Harris County, Texas.
Pre-19th Century: The region was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and Atakapa.
1822: Harrisburg, the county's first settlement, is founded by John Richardson Harris, a pioneer and one of the early Texas colonists.
1836: The Battle of San Jacinto, which secured Texas independence from Mexico, took place in present-day Harris County.
1837: Harris County is officially established and named after John Richardson Harris.
19th Century: Houston, the county seat and the largest city in Texas, experiences rapid growth due to its strategic location along Buffalo Bayou and the construction of railroads. The city becomes a major commercial and shipping hub, attracting industries such as cotton, lumber, and oil.
20th Century: The discovery of oil in the nearby Spindletop field and the subsequent growth of the oil industry greatly contribute to Harris County's economic development. Houston becomes an energy and petrochemical center.
1960s-1980s: The space industry plays a crucial role in Harris County's history with the establishment of NASA's Johnson Space Center, where mission control for the Apollo program is located.
Today: Harris County continues to be a thriving economic and cultural center. It is home to a diverse population, numerous industries, world-class medical facilities, and renowned cultural institutions.