Bank of Chester County
| Company type | Bank |
|---|---|
| Industry | Banking |
| Founded | 1814 |
| Fate | Building now occupied by Wells Fargo |
| Headquarters | West Chester , United States |
| Products | Banking services |
Bank of Chester County—also referred to as the National Bank of Chester County, National Bank of Chester County and Trust Company, and Fidelity Bank—is a historic two-story bank edifice located in West Chester, Pennsylvania. It holds the distinction of being the inaugural bank chartered within Chester County. Following the 1811 decision not to renew the First Bank of the United States charter, control over banking systems shifted to state governments. An initial 1813 legislative proposal in Pennsylvania to establish banks was vetoed, but a subsequent plan authorizing 41 banks was approved in 1814. The bank commenced operations in 1814 within the Record Office before moving in 1818 to 13 High Street. In 1835, a new structure was commissioned at 17 High Street, designed by architect Thomas Ustick Walter and completed in 1836 at a cost of $33,000. This building features Greek Revival architecture highlighted by a Doric portico. Modifications were made to the structure in 1874, 1905, and 1928. The former building has been leased out yet still contains outdated banking equipment. Currently, the premises are occupied by Wells Fargo.
The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and is included within the West Chester Downtown Historic District.
Background
After Congress chose not to renew the charter for the First Bank of the United States in 1811, regulation of banking fell under state jurisdiction. Pennsylvania initially proposed creating 25 banks in 1813, but this plan was vetoed by the governor; however, a revised proposal for 41 banks was enacted in 1814 despite facing another veto attempt. Chester County received authorization for stock amounting to 9,000 shares at $50 each. Early stock subscriptions were allocated to commissioners before being opened for public subscription. Prominent local leaders such as Joseph McClellan, Richard Thomas, and William Darlington served in leadership roles during this period.
The bank started its activities in 1814 at the intersection of High and Gay Streets and relocated in 1818 to a building at what is now 13 High Street (constructed in 1792). In 1835, plans were drawn for a new facility designed by Thomas U. Walter; construction was finalized in 1836 using stone quarried from West Whiteland Township. Although the original building remains under bank ownership, it is no longer utilized for banking functions.
Until 1857, this institution remained Chester County’s only bank. On October 25, 1864, it reorganized under federal legislation as the National Bank of Chester County, maintaining that name until it rebranded as National Bank of Chester County and Trust Company in 1930. Having been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since June 5, 1972, it operated under the name Fidelity Bank by 1987. Presently, Wells Fargo owns and manages the property.
Design
Constructed in the Greek Revival style, the building measures approximately . Its foundation is composed of high-quality stone with lower-grade marble used on the water table. The marble walls are faced with brickwork; on the western side, a portico featuring four Doric columns was lowered during modifications made in 1928. While original chimneys have been removed, their structural bases remain intact. The facade includes a single main entrance door facing west. During renovations conducted in 1928, both north and south walls were reconstructed—two original windows were preserved while cornices were replaced with replicas. The roof is sheathed with copper.
Originally designed as a two-story structure with a smaller banking hall than exists today, two vaults adjacent to the entrance hall were converted into office space over time; additionally, rear rooms and staircases were removed. Interior elements reflected Greek stylistic influences including layered marble walls; however, subsequent renovations altered these features. In 1854, artist Carl Stromberg painted the ceiling blue accented with decorative foliage along wall borders and murals on opposing walls. A statue of William Darlington sculpted by William Marshal Swayne was installed in 1863. The renovation carried out in 1928 embraced "Greek influence and design," introducing six marble mantels along with coal grates for fireplaces located within the banking hall as well as the president’s and cashier’s offices; electrical systems replaced earlier utilities. None of the original flooring materials, doors, or hardware have survived. The interior underwent a complete redesign in 1874 that included installation of upgraded safes and vaults valued at $10,000. Over time, three significant renovations—in 1874, 1905, and 1928—were completed reflecting changing functional requirements and aesthetic preferences.