Marker photo not
available at this time
|
The
First National Bank of Corsicana
An institution whose
history reflects rise of a landmark city. Corsicana was founded about
1850. In 1871 when the Houston and Texas Central gave the town rail
connections with national commerce, two former H. & T. employees
established this bank as a private concern. The men were Captain James
Garitty (1842-1925), experienced as a bank clerk and Joseph Huey
(1827-1904), a tin and hardware dealer. The firm was called Garitty,
Huey & Company, and served cotton growers as well as ranchers and
cowboys driving cattle to the railroad. By 1886 their business had
expanded so greatly that they incorporated and obtained a charter for
the First National Bank of Corsicana with capital of $125,000 and
surplus of $75,000.
Drilling for a new
municipal water well in 1894 brought first major oil and gas discovery
in Texas. The pioneer field developed first use in the state of natural
gas in lighting and heating. First use of petroleum for railroad
locomotives. First use of oil in highway surfacing. Texas' first
refinery was built in Corsicana. During and after the years of petroleum
industry development, the city gained other business and cultural
advantages with this bank giving aid and leadership in many phases of
civic progress. (1971)
Location: 101 North Main,
Corsicana,
Texas
|