National Bank of Thurmond

The National Bank of Thurmond served a town that grew quickly in the early 1900s as the region became a leading exporter of coal. At Thurmond’s peak it had two banks, with one being the National Bank of Thurmond — the other was the New River Banking and Trust Company. The National Bank of Thurmond was initially housed in Hotel Thurmond before relocating to this 1917 constructed building in 1923. The bank oversaw $4.8 million a year in the late 1920s, primarily from the railroad. The financial institution also offered safety deposits boxes, saving accounts, and was the Fayette County and Ford Motor Co. depository. A relatively short-lived venture, the bank served local businesses and the residents until 1931, when a series of fires devastated the town. After many businesses closed due to the fires the bank was forced to close as well. The National Bank of Thurmond building was home to retail stores and apartments until 1959. With the exception of the period between 1975 and 1988, when it was home to a hotel and restaurant called the Bankers Club, the building has been empty.