Union Bank (Tallahassee, Florida) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Union Bank
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Union Bank
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 Location in Florida
Location in the United States
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| Location | Tallahassee, Florida |
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| NRHP reference No. | 71000242 |
| Added to NRHP | February 24, 1971 |
The Union Bank building in Tallahassee, Florida, is a very old and important building. It was built in 1841 and is the oldest surviving bank building in Florida. Today, it stands at Apalachee Parkway and Calhoun Street. It is no longer a bank but a special museum and research center. This center focuses on African American history. Because of its importance, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on February 24, 1971.
Contents
A Look Back: The Bank's Journey
The Union Bank building was finished in 1841. It was Tallahassee's very first bank. William Williams oversaw its construction when Florida was still a territory. The bank's main goal was to help pay for local cotton plantations. However, it closed just two years later in 1843. This happened because of the Seminole Wars (conflicts in Florida), some poor banking choices, and a big economic downturn called the Panic of 1837.
New Owners and New Beginnings
In 1847, two cotton plantation owners, William Bailey and Isaac Mitchell, bought the bank building. After the Civil War, the building got a new purpose. In 1868, it became the Freedman's Savings and Trust Company. This bank helped formerly enslaved people manage their money.
Over the years, the building changed hands many times. It was used for many different things. It served as a church, a place to buy animal feed, an art gallery, and even a coffee shop. It also hosted a dance studio, a locksmith's shop, a beauty salon, and a shoe factory.
Willis Jiles: A Cobbler's Story
In the 1920s, a man named Willis Jiles (originally Giles) owned a shoe repair shop inside the building. Willis Jiles lived from 1874 to 1963. He was a graduate of the Tuskegee Institute, a famous school. His children, whom he had with his wife Sadie, went on to graduate from Florida A & M and Xavier University.
Moving Day: The Bank's Relocation
In 1971, the Union Bank building was moved. Its original spot was on Adams Street, between College Avenue and Park Avenue. It was carefully moved to its current location. This new spot is just east of the Capitol building, on Apalachee Parkway and Calhoun Avenue. After the move, the building was restored. It reopened as a museum in 1984.
Today: A Center for History
The Union Bank building now serves an important role. It is part of the Florida A&M University Southeastern Regional Black Archives, Research Center and Museum. It is also known as the Capitol Complex Extension Branch of the Southeastern Regional Black Archives.
What You Can See at the Museum
The museum welcomes visitors and school groups on weekdays. Inside, you can see many artifacts and documents. These items show the rich history and culture of Black people in Florida. The staff at the Black Archives also offer public programs. These programs help people learn more about this important history. The main location for the Southeastern Regional Black Archives is at the Carnegie Library at FAMU.
