A Glimpse into Akron’s Past: The Second National Bank and The United States Express Company
This vintage postcard showcases the main building that once housed the Second National Bank of Akron, a cornerstone of the city’s financial landscape. But just a few doors down the road, a fascinating piece of Akron’s history unfolds with the United States Express Company (USE), which operated in the area from 1854 to 1914.
The USE was a privately owned enterprise that played a vital role in the transportation of parcels and freight during a time when railroads and growing industrial centers demanded efficient logistics. Serving northern states from New England to Colorado, the company was instrumental in forwarding goods across long distances, contributing to the region’s economic development.
While the Second National Bank represented Akron’s rise as a financial hub, the United States Express Company’s operations tell the story of a dynamic and rapidly changing transportation network that helped shape the region’s commercial landscape.
Modern Day image: google maps