First Bank of Murphy in Murphy, North Carolina

The First Bank of Murphy, located in Downtown Murphy, North Carolina, is a building with a rich history that spans over a century. Established on January 16, 1899, the bank was initially operated by A.F. Dickey as president, A. McD. Harshaw as vice president, and Luke Bayless as the first manager and cashier. Bayless is credited with helping make the bank successful through his financial knowledge and sound business judgment.

However, the bank met an explosive fate on September 9, 1904, when burglars broke in and stole over $4,000, leaving behind only a few pennies. The culprits were never caught, making this one of Murphy's unsolved mysteries.

Although the original dragon atop the roof was lost to history, it was later preserved and displayed at the Cherokee County Historical Museum. The bank remained operational until the 1920s, after which it transformed into various establishments, including an ice cream parlor, retail stores, a hair salon, and a travel agency. In 2023, the former bank was converted into FairyCross Bottle Shop, a wine and specialty food shop.

The building’s history is a tapestry of fortunes made and lost, architectural transformations, and the changing landscape of Murphy. Despite the various changes, the building has continued to stand, telling the story of its past occupants and the city it has witnessed. As visitors walk through its worn marble steps, they can almost hear the echoes of past bankers, customers, burglars, shoppers, beauticians, travelers, and others who have crossed the threshold over the decades.

Today, the building invites people to gather, share a glass of wine, and perhaps make a wish, adding a touch of magic to this historically significant structure.