Category:Dexter Horton Bank (1875)

Dexter Horton was an important figure in early Seattle, establishing the city's first bank and building its first brick and stone building in 1868. 7 years later he began construction of a fireproof stone building adjacent to that one to house his own bank. Construction began in June 1875 by contractor Morgan J. Carkeek, with a cornerstone containing stamps, coins and contemporary newspapers being laid on July 24. Construction proceeded slowly so that the best stone could be sourced, most of it barged in from Port Townsend to Carkeek's stone yard. The front steps were carved from a single granite boulder that had been unearthed during the excavation of the site. The bank finally opened in the Spring of 1876. A large free-standing stone, brick and iron lined vault was added in January 1883 by John Keenan, proprietor of the Seattle Stone Yard. Though badly scorched, the bank's walls and vault survived the great fire of 1889 and a temporary roof was put over the building until plans could be made for a new one. The building was demolished in April 1891 for the current Maynard Building.