New Hampshire Bank Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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New Hampshire Bank Building
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 Location in New Hampshire
Location in the United States
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| Location | 22-26 Market Sq., Portsmouth, New Hampshire |
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| Area | 0.1 acres (0.040 ha) |
| Built | 1803 |
| Architect | Eliphalet Ladd |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival, Beaux Arts |
| NRHP reference No. | 79000207 |
| Added to NRHP | September 10, 1979 |
The New Hampshire Bank Building is a very old and important building in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. It is located at 22-26 Market Square. This building was first built in 1803. It is one of the oldest buildings in the United States made specifically for a bank. Until 1977, it was the oldest building that was always used for banking. Because of its history, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
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What Does the Building Look Like?
The New Hampshire Bank Building stands out in downtown Portsmouth's Market Square. It is on the east side of the square, just south of Daniel Street. Over the years, the building has been changed many times. Now, it actually looks like two different buildings joined together.
How the Building Changed Over Time
When it was first built in 1803, it was a two-story brick building. The front had five sections, and the middle three sections were set back a little. A roof covered this recessed area, protecting the entrances on the outer sides.
In 1869, the building was divided into two separate spaces on the ground floor. Each space got its own front door. A third entrance in the middle led to the upstairs.
More changes happened in 1903. The building was made wider. The left side was updated in a style called Classical Revival. This style uses ideas from ancient Greek and Roman buildings. In 1904, the right side was renovated. It was given a grand granite front in the Beaux Arts style. This style is known for being very fancy and detailed.
Inside the building, in a lobby about 30 feet (9 meters) wide, there is a huge stained glass dome. This beautiful dome shows the New Hampshire State Seal.
A Look at the Building's History
The New Hampshire Bank Building was built in 1803. This happened after a big fire in 1802 burned down the house that the New Hampshire Bank was using as its office.
New Hampshire's First Bank
The New Hampshire Bank was started in 1792. It was the very first bank in the state of New Hampshire! The ground floor of this new building was used by different banks over the years. After the building was divided in 1869, two different banks used the spaces.
Famous People Who Worked Here
Many important people had offices on the second floor of this building. One was Levi Woodbury, who became the Governor of New Hampshire. Another was his student, Franklin Pierce, who later became the President of the United States. Jeremiah Mason, who was New Hampshire's Attorney General, also worked here. All three of these men later became U.S. senators for New Hampshire.
What is the Building Used for Today?
Banks continued to use the building until 1977. Then, it was sold to a real estate agent. This agent used one side for his own business. He rented out the other side to a company that helps people get loans for homes. Today, the New Hampshire Bank Building is home to different kinds of businesses, not banks.
