Old First National Bank of Navasota
Navasota, Grimes County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Local architect, contractor and stonemason James Davern and his brother-in-law C. C. Camp built this commercial edifice in the 1880s. Constructed of cement-covered stone rubble, it was remodeled with Renaissance Revival detailing in the 1890s, during the ownership of the First National Bank of Navasota. Occupied by the bank until 1952, it has also housed a hotel, offices, a telephone company, and a variety of stores. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1981
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Local architect and stonemason James Davern and his brother-in-law C. C. Camp raised this commercial building of cement-covered stone rubble in the 1880s. During the First National Bank of Navasota's ownership in the 1890s it gained handsome Renaissance Revival detailing. The bank occupied it until 1952, and over the years the building also held a hotel, offices, a telephone company, and assorted stores.
Why it matters
The old bank captures the commercial ambition of a Gilded Age Texas railroad town, whose Main Street architecture signaled prosperity and permanence.
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Related people
- ยท James Davern
- ยท C. C. Camp
Themes & tags
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