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Point 7: Henderson Bank Building

118 Jefferson Street and corner of Spring Street

On the site of the Henderson Bank Building once operated the Huntsville Branch of the Freedman’s Saving and Trust Company, or the Freedman’s Bank, located in the Huntsville Hotel (1858-1911). Established by President Abraham Lincoln in 1865, the Bank provided freed people a place to deposit their money in their pursuit of financial stability.

 Unable to withstand the Panic of 1873, the Freedman’s banking system closed in 1874.

The Huntsville Hotel is the designated site of Huntsville’s Freedman’s Bank. It is likely the bank operated in the hotel’s basement.
The Huntsville Hotel is the designated site of Huntsville’s Freedman’s Bank. It is likely the bank operated in the hotel’s basement.
A branch of the Freedman’s Savings and Trust Company was located in Huntsville. The bank’s cashier, Lafayette Robinson, also served as a delegate to Alabama’s 1867 Constitutional Convention representing Madison County. Robinson was hired as the bank’s first cashier and worked until the bank closed in 1873, at a salary of $50 per month.
A branch of the Freedman’s Savings and Trust Company was located in Huntsville. The bank’s cashier, Lafayette Robinson, also served as a delegate to Alabama’s 1867 Constitutional Convention representing Madison County. Robinson was hired as the bank’s first cashier and worked until the bank closed in 1873, at a salary of $50 per month.
Lafayette Robinson was the son of John Robinson, an enslaved man who purchased his freedom sometime around 1828 and purchased the freedom of his wife, Ann, and their two children in 1830. He operated a successful livery stable, a business he passed down to his son, Lafayette. John Robinson served on the Board of the Huntsville Branch of the Freedman’s Bank.
Lafayette Robinson was the son of John Robinson, an enslaved man who purchased his freedom sometime around 1828 and purchased the freedom of his wife, Ann, and their two children in 1830. He operated a successful livery stable, a business he passed down to his son, Lafayette. John Robinson served on the Board of the Huntsville Branch of the Freedman’s Bank.
Lafayette Robinson continued operation of business began by his father.
Lafayette Robinson continued operation of business began by his father.