Merchants Exchange Bank
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U V A L C O U N T Y |
Marker Text: Francisco Vaello Puig opened the Merchants Exchange Bank in Benavides in 1908. With the success of the Texas Mexican Railroad and the discovery of oil reservoirs, Benavides became a thriving small railroad town with a bright future. The Merchants Exchange Bank grew to reflect the wealth of the times. In 1937, the Vaello family built and relocated the establishment to this sandstone structure. In 1961, financial pressure on the bank ultimately crippled the business. By 1962 the bank closed, and Benavides began a steady decline which the closure of the bank compounded. The remaining structure acts as a testament to the former prosperity of the town. (2015)
Marker No: 18231 (This marker was not in place when we visited in January 2021, it did look like work was being done to save the building)
Aluminum 18 x 28 Subject Marker
Geographic:
Location: East Railroad Avenue and Depot Street, Benavides
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