South Carolina National Bank of Charleston
South Carolina National Bank of Charleston
South Carolina National Bank of CharlestonSouth Carolina National Bank of Charleston
Charleston, SC 29401
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00a to 5:00p, except during bank holidays.
The South Carolina National Bank of Charleston has been in continuous use as a bank since it was constructed in 1817. In the early 19th century, Charleston ranked highly enough as a commercial center to have a branch of the Second Bank of the United States.
Stucco covers the masonry walls of the two story building. The smooth, clean exterior is accentuated by simple arched and rectangular window and door openings. A gold leaf eagle still adorns the gable of the front of the bank, as it has since 1817. The lobby, also in continuous use since the bank's opening, features more elaborately carved details, and has been altered only with the addition of lights and modern teller windows.
By 1848 the Bank of Charleston became a regional power with affiliates in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and Louisiana. The building was extended to the north in 1856 and the Board of Director's Room was added. It is an elaborate room with coved ceiling, pilasters with Corinthian capitals, and marbleized details (wood painted to simulate tan and black marble).
