“Behind the Counter” Bank Tours

Experience how Cornelius Beekman, Jacksonville’s most prominent pioneer, conducted banking in the late 1800s when Historic Jacksonville opens the Beekman Bank, the first financial institution north of San Francisco, for “Behind the Counter” tours during the summer of 2024.  Over $40 million in gold crossed the bank’s counters during Jacksonville’s heyday in the second half of the 19th Century (worth over $1 billion today).

Interact with costumed docents between 11am and 3pm, Saturdays and Sundays, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, as they share stories of late 19th Century banking practices, gold shipping, and handshake deals .

The bank is located at the corner of California and North 3rd streets in Jacksonville.  The current Bank building, constructed in 1863, has been preserved intact as a museum since Cornelius Beekman closed the doors in 1915.  Begun in 1856 as an “express office,” it’s the oldest financial institution in the Pacific Northwest and the oldest bank building still standing in Oregon.  But being the stage stop and express office, it was also the community center and at various times accommodated the City Recorder’s office, a library, and art exhibits!

Over 4,000 people have visited the Beekman Bank each year in the past.  Grants and your generosity make it possible for Historic Jacksonville to open this Jacksonville museum to the public.  A suggested bank “deposit” of $3 will help us maintain this program and expand future “banking hours.”  

Private group tours are also available.  For additional information, contact Historic Jacksonville at 541-245-3650 or e-mail info@historicjacksonville.org.

 

DISCLAIMER:  All tour attendees do so at their own risk and waive any liability claims against Historic Jacksonville, Inc. or any volunteer.  This includes illness and injury, as well as loss, damage or theft of property.  Historic Jacksonville, Inc. reserves the right to refuse admission or eject persons at any time.