Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Department of Historic Resources
For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF
VLR Listing Date 08/21/1990
NRHP Listing Date 01/24/1991
DHR's Virginia Board of Historic Resources easement
NRHP Reference Number 90002159
The straightforward commercial building erected in 1921 for the Phoenix Bank of Nansemond represents the effort of Virginia African Americans to establish, out of necessity, their own business enterprises. Because white-run banks resisted extending credit to blacks, black businessmen created lending institutions to serve their community. Between 1900 and 1920 twenty black banks opened in Virginia. During this period, Suffolk was gaining recognition as the “Peanut Capital of the United States.” This thriving industry brought economic gain to black workers and the need for financial services. The bank was founded in 1917 by Dr. W. T. Fuller; the present building was erected by his successor, John W. Richardson. Though compact, the building was well appointed. In 1921 the Norfolk Journal and Guide described its vault as “second to none in the city as to security.” The bank closed in 1931, a victim of the Great Depression.
Many properties listed in the registers are private dwellings and are not open to the public, however many are visible from the public right-of-way. Please be respectful of owner privacy.
Abbreviations:
VLR: Virginia Landmarks Register
NPS: National Park Service
NRHP: National Register of Historic Places
NHL: National Historic Landmark
Updated: July 29, 2021
