City National Bank (Galveston, Texas) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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City National Bank
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City National Bank
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 City National Bank
Location in Texas
City National Bank
Location in the United States
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| Location | 2219 Market St. Galveston, Texas |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1920 |
| Architect | Weary & Alford Company |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| MPS | Central Business District MRACentral Business District MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 84001680 |
| Added to NRHP | August 14, 1984 |
The City National Bank building is a historic place in Galveston, Texas. It's so important that it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This special building was once home to a bank called City National Bank.
The bank started in 1907, founded by a man named William Lewis Moody Jr.. The building we see today was finished in 1920. Later, in 1953, the bank changed its name to Moody National Bank to honor its founder. For many years, this downtown building was also the Galveston County Historical Museum. But in 2008, a big storm called Hurricane Ike badly damaged it. After the hurricane, the museum moved its collections to the Galveston County Courthouse. Since then, the old City National Bank building has not been used.
History of the Building
The City National Bank first opened in a rented space in another building. Soon after, it moved to a different spot at Tremont and Market Streets. It stayed there until its own grand building was ready in 1920.
William Lewis Moody Jr. wanted a new, special building for his bank. It was built between 1919 and 1920. This new building cost $200,000, which was a lot of money back then! It was built just for the City National Bank at 2219 Market Street in downtown Galveston.
Building Design and Features
The outside of the building has a pedimented portico. This means it has a triangular top part supported by tall columns. These columns are in the Corinthian order style, which is a fancy type of ancient Greek architecture. Inside, the building has a curved ceiling, called a barrel-vaulted interior.
The Moody family, who owned the bank, also built other large buildings in Galveston. These include the Medical Arts Building (1927–1929) and the Jean Lafitte Hotel (1927). The Jean Lafitte Hotel is also a historic building listed on the National Register.
Right next to the City National Bank building is the U.S. National Bank. This building was built a few years later, from 1923 to 1925. It's an 11-story skyscraper with an Italian Renaissance style. It looks very different from the City National Bank building.
From Bank to Museum
William Lewis Moody Jr. passed away in 1954. His daughter, Mary Moody Northen, took over his business. She became the president of the Moody National Bank in 1954.
In 1972, Mary Moody Northen gave the City National Bank building to Galveston County. Six years later, in 1978, it opened as the Galveston County Historical Museum. It became a place where people could learn about the history of Galveston.
However, in 2008, Hurricane Ike hit Galveston. The storm caused major damage to the building's air and electrical systems. Because of this, the museum had to move its exhibits and historical items. They were moved to the Galveston County Courthouse.
The Moody National Bank grew and needed more space. So, they built a new building at 2302 Post Office Street, where the bank is located today. They moved out of the old 1920 building, which was then given to Galveston County.
The City National Bank building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. This means it's recognized as an important historical site in the United States.
See also
