The Old State Bank's 150-Ton Pillars

The front of the Old State Bank features a pentastyle portico that is honestly a bit much for a mere financial institution. It stands on limestone pillars mined in Trinity, with each massive pillar weighing between 100 and 150 tons to ensure nobody tries to move the building. This construction is a classic example of Thomas Jefferson trying to make Palladianism look like a Roman temple.

The operation officially went active in 1833, but the mission failed when $1 million in debt could not be restructured. Authorities revoked the franchise, leaving the structure to decay until the 1860s. The building's durability was put to the ultimate test during the Battle of Decatur, where it was one of only four structures to survive the carnage. While everything else burned, it served as a hospital for the wounded and a headquarters for the Union forces.

The First National Bank took over the lease in 1881, followed by J. Y. Cantwell moving in during 1902 to use it as a residence and office. When the place looked like a total wreck, Cantwell’s grand niece, W. B. Edmundson, deeded the property to the City of Decatur in 1933.

Then the American Legion, Post No. 15, donated the building to the City again in 1975. A restoration was completed in 1983 to celebrate the 150-year mark, and a curator was assigned to lead tours in 1984. Architect Harvie Jones returned to the scene from 1995 to 1996 to oversee a second wave of repairs.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons