Beekman Bank Museum

1863 Beekman Bank Museum – the first and oldest financial institution north of San Francisco, its 1863 building located at the corner of California and North 3rd streets has been preserved intact as a museum since Cornelius Beekman closed and locked the doors in 1915.  Over $40 million in gold crossed the counters during Jacksonville’s heyday in the 1800s – equivalent to almost $1 billion today.

Tours of the bank are offered through Historic Jacksonville, Inc.  For the most up to date information on tours of the bank and other programs go to:  www.HistoricJacksonville.org

“Behind the Counter” Tours:  11:00 am – 4:00 pm, Fridays through Mondays, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.  Costumed docents share stories of 19th Century banking practices, gold shipments, and handshake deals.  Visitors have the rare experience of stepping behind the counter of the oldest bank in the Pacific Northwest.  Allow 30 minutes.  Admission: Free; $3 suggested donation.

“Secrets & Mysteries” Tours:  1st Saturday of the month from January through May.  Regional historian Ben Truwe pursues secrets lost with the last Beekman in 45-minute candlelight tours of the oldest financial institution in the Pacific Northwest.  Tours begin at 6, 7, and 8 p.m. each tour night.  Cost: $5–reservations required!