Bank of Cairo, building in West Virginia, United States
The Bank of Cairo is a brick building with two and a half stories located at the corner of Main Street and the old railway line. Its design blends Romanesque Revival and early commercial architecture, featuring rounded arches and sturdy brickwork throughout.
The building was constructed in 1897 by Jacob Cattaui and operated as a bank until 1931, then closed, reopened in 1941, and remained a bank until 1974. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996 and now serves as the town hall.
The building takes its name from Cairo, Egypt, reflecting the heritage of Jacob Cattaui's family who had wealth there. Today, locals and visitors notice the corner entrance as a welcoming landmark where the community gathers for town meetings and events.
The building sits at an easy-to-find corner location and is accessible today as the town hall where the community meets. Its proximity to the North Bend Rail Trail makes it simple to visit as part of exploring the wider area.
The building was named after Cairo because Cattaui's family owned cotton plantations in Egypt, revealing the global business ties of a small mountain town. This international connection is rarely noticed today, yet it tells a fascinating story about early 20th-century commerce and family enterprises.
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