First National Bank Building
Stephenville, Erath County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Built in 1889 to house the city's first bank, this is the earliest of three structures on the town square designed by prominent San Antonio architect J. Riely Gordon. It features elaborate stonework and large arches typical of Romanesque Revival architecture and a Queen Anne style tower and pedimented entrance. The bank, organized by C. J. Shapard and with assets in excess of $158,000 by 1893, merged with Farmers National Bank in 1925 due to depressed oil and cattle prices. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1994
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Erected in 1889 to house Stephenville's first bank, this Romanesque Revival landmark was the earliest of three courthouse-square buildings designed here by celebrated San Antonio architect J. Riely Gordon. Its heavy stone arches and Queen Anne tower announced the prosperity of a growing cattle-and-oil town. The bank thrived until depressed prices forced a 1925 merger.
Why it matters
The building marks the moment a rural Texas town square became a place of commerce and civic ambition, showcasing the Gilded Age architecture that gave Main Street America its confident face.
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Related people
- · J. Riely Gordon
- · C. J. Shapard
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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