Atlas Obscura · People & society

The Historic Bank of Murphy Building

The former Bank of Murphy building in downtown Murphy, North Carolina, is one of the area's oldest commercial structures, now housing a wine shop.

Established on January 16, 1899, the building features worn marble steps, a testament to the thousands who have passed through its doors. Its original brick façade was later covered with stucco, but architectural details like arched doors and windows remain.

The bank's first president was A.F. Dickey, with A. McD. Harshaw as vice president and Luke Bayless as manager and cashier. Bayless was noted for his financial acumen.

In 1904, burglars blew open the vault, stealing over $4,000. The perpetrators were never caught, leaving this a cold case over 120 years later.

Originally, a dragon sculpture adorned the roof's edge, symbolizing strength and security for the bank. This dragon has since been preserved and is displayed at the Cherokee County Historical Museum.

The building operated as a bank until the 1920s. It subsequently housed various businesses, including an ice cream parlor, retail stores, a hair salon, and a travel agency.

Since 2023, it has been home to FairyCross Bottle Shop, a wine and specialty food store. The shop's name comes from naturally occurring crystal formations found locally, believed by folklore to be magical.

The building's history includes safeguarding money, surviving a vault explosion, losing its dragon, and hosting diverse businesses before becoming a place for wine and wishes, symbolizing a convivial second act.

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