Union Bank (Tallahassee, Florida)
| Company type | Bank (defunct) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Banking |
| Founded | 1830 |
| Founder | William Williams |
| Defunct | 1843 |
| Fate | Ceased operations due to Seminole Wars, poor management, and economic downturn |
| Headquarters | Tallahassee , United States |
Area served | Tallahassee, Florida |
The Union Bank located in Tallahassee, Florida was founded circa 1830, with the construction of its building completed in 1841. Recognized as the oldest extant bank structure in Florida, it stands at the intersection of Apalachee Parkway and Calhoun Street. Presently, it functions as a museum and archival center dedicated to African American heritage. The site was officially listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on February 24, 1971.
History
Built in 1841 by William Williams during the era of the Florida Territory, the Union Bank was the inaugural banking institution in Tallahassee, established primarily to support local cotton plantation operations. Its operations ceased in 1843 due to factors including the disruptions caused by the Seminole Wars, unsound banking management, and the economic downturn following the Panic of 1837.
In 1847, ownership transferred to cotton plantation proprietors William Bailey and Isaac Mitchell.
Following the Civil War, the building resumed activity in 1868 as the Freedman's Savings and Trust Company, which provided financial services to newly freed slaves. Over time, it accommodated a variety of enterprises such as a church, feed store, art gallery, coffeehouse, dance studio, locksmith workshop, beauty parlor, and shoe manufacturing facility.
Willis Jiles
During the 1920s, Willis Jiles (1874–1963), an alumnus of Tuskegee Institute, operated a shoe repair business within the premises. His family emphasized education; his children with Sadie earned degrees from Florida A & M and Xavier University, underscoring their academic accomplishments.
Relocation
In 1971, the Union Bank building was moved from its original location on Adams Street between College Avenue and Park Avenue to its current site at Apalachee Parkway and Calhoun Avenue near the Capitol. After restoration efforts, it was inaugurated as a museum in 1984.
Southeastern Regional Black Archives Research Center and Museum
The Union Bank structure serves as a branch of the Florida A&M University Southeastern Regional Black Archives, Research Center and Museum, also referred to as the Capitol Complex Extension Branch of the Southeastern Regional Black Archives.
Accessible to visitors and educational groups during weekdays, this museum displays artifacts and documents that illuminate African American history and culture within Florida. It also hosts public programming facilitated by staff from the Black Archives.
The main headquarters of the Southeastern Regional Black Archives, Research Center and Museum is situated at the Carnegie Library at FAMU.