Built 1817 VLR # 123-0067 Opened 1817 Phone +1 804-733-2400 Added to NRHP 13 April 1972 | NRHP Reference # 72001515 Designated VLR January 18, 1972 Area 4 ha | |
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Address 19 Bollingbrook St, Petersburg, VA 23803, USA Similar Siege Museum, Centre Hill Mansion, Pocahontas Island Black Hist, Blandford Church, Poplar Grove National | ||
Farmers' Bank is the first bank museum of its kind found in Virginia. Farmers' Bank was incorporated in 1812 and the Petersburg, Virginia branch opened in 1817.
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History
The three-story building, built in the Federal style, was a frequent meeting place for the community. The first floor held the banking area, including the vault, while the third floor was home to the bank manager and his family. The bank maintained operations through the American Civil War and closed by order of the Virginia General Assembly in 1866.
It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. It is located in the Petersburg Old Town Historic District.
Preservation
The property served various functions throughout the next hundred years, until it was acquired by Preservation Virginia in the 1960s. Preservation Virginia undertook restoration of the building, and reopened it as a museum and visitors center.
The building now houses the Petersburg Visitors Center. Visitors can see a printing press and scales for weighing gold. The living quarters on the third floor has also been restored.