The Old State Bank in Decatur, Alabama

The Old State Bank in Decatur, Alabama, is a beautiful example of antebellum architecture. This historic building was constructed in 1833 and served as a state bank until the Civil War. It is now open to the public as a museum. Visitors can explore the original banking floor, view exhibits on the history of banking in Alabama, and see a variety of artifacts from the Old State Bank’s collection.

The five original limestone columns grace the front of the beautiful antebellum building. Today, there is evidence of the bank’s Union occupation, such as graffiti by a Union soldier left on one of the columns, cannonball damage to another, and a bullet in a brick.

Civil War bullet hole in brick wall. — Civil War Bullet

The Union Army entered Decatur on April 13, 1862. The Memphis and Charleston Railroad crossed the Tennessee River in Decatur, making it a strategic location during the war.

Its Role as a Bank

Business transactions took place on the first floor of the Old State Bank. The original walk-in vault and tellers’ cage give visitors a glimpse into Alabama’s banking past.

Many of the original features of the bank have been preserved.

What may surprise young learners is that the head cashier of the bank had an apartment located on the bank’s second floor. This was for security reasons.

The second floor at the Old State Bank has period furnishings that accurately reflect life in the 1800s.

On a tour of the Old State Bank, visitors may learn the meaning behind some expressions they may hear, such as “Nighty, night, sleep tight…” See the bed strings on the bed in the picture below?

People slept better when they were pulled tight. If there were unwanted guests, the hosts might loosen the strings to discourage the guests from overstaying their welcome.)

Notice the pots under the bed? Early Alabama residents did not have indoor plumbing, so this was their solution for a “portable toilet” that prevented them from having to leave the house at night (to go to the outhouse).