The Old State Bank

One of the most widely know landmarks in Decatur is the State Branch Bank Building. As north Alabama began to grow in the early 1800's, the need for branch banks became evident. After considerable agitation over the need for these banks, the legislature, on January 21, 1830, passed a bill providing for the establishment of branch banks. In the contest for the first branch bank in North Alabama, Decatur triumphed over the rivals of Courtland, Huntsville, Florence, and Tuscumbia. At a special session of the legislature in November of 1832, a bill was introduced to establish a state bank in Decatur. James Fennel, a large landowner who lived between Trinity and Decatur, had early business interests in Decatur, and was one of the town's principle promoters. The massive stone columns adorning the front of the building were quarried on his plantation and hauled to the place of erection by specially built ox-wagons.