Skip to main content

Historic Columbia is closed on Thursday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.

Menu Close Menu

Historic Columbia

Donate
  • FAQs
Upcoming Events

Navigation

  • Tours
    • House Tours
      • Robert Mills House and Gardens
      • Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens
      • Mann-Simons Site
      • The Museum of the Reconstruction Era
      • Modjeska Monteith Simkins House
      • Hours and Pricing
    • Garden Tours
      • Garden Database
    • Offsite Tours
      • Walking Tours
    • African American History Tours
    • Online Tours
  • Education
    • Field Trips
      • House Tours
    • Traveling Trunks
  • Support
    • Corporate Support
      • Additional Support Opportunities
      • Corporate Membership
      • Program & Event Sponsorship Options
    • Donate
    • Membership
      • Palladium
    • Volunteer
    • Partners and Donors
  • Rent a Venue
    • Gardens of the Hampton-Preston Mansion
    • Seibels House and Garden
    • Robert Mills Carriage House and Gardens
    • Gardens of the Woodrow Wilson Family Home
    • Weddings
    • Photoshoots
    • Contact Us
  • Research
    • Object Collection
    • Projects and Initiatives
  • Preservation
    • Preservation Awards
    • Preservation Advocacy
    • Resources and Services
    • Economic Impact Study
    • Building Richland County
  • About
    • Blog
    • Board Members
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
    • Gift Shop at Robert Mills
      • Online Store
    • Newsletter
    • Staff Directory

Donate

919 Washington Street

Former Victory Savings Bank

Chartered in 1921 by president I.J. Joseph and vice presidents I.S. Leevy and C.E. Stephenson, Victory Savings Bank was the first black-owned bank in South Carolina. During its first five years, its deposits grew from $2,600 to $175,000. Later presidents included W.H. Henry, Dr. Eugene A. Adams, and Dr. Henry Dobbins Monteith, who served from 1951 until 1979.

  • Former Victory Savings Bank, 2010

    Former Victory Savings Bank, 2010. Historic Columbia collection

Under Monteith’s leadership, the bank became the lending institution for members of the South Carolina NAACP targeted during the “economic squeeze” that began in 1955. The NAACP, as well as state civic groups like the Shriners, made large deposits over the next several years to aid farmers and businessmen impacted by boycotts led by White Citizens Councils. Initially located at 1107 Washington Street, the bank moved to this location in 1955. In 1962, the bank opened a branch, managed by Monteith’s sister Modjeska Monteith Simkins, at 1503 Harden Street. In 1999, it reopened as South Carolina Community Bank, which became Optus in 2018.

34.0029267, -81.0388703

NTHP Preservation Award Winner
Historic Columbia

© 2025 Historic Columbia

Administrative Offices
1601 Richland Street
Columbia, SC 29201

Tours
All historic house and garden tours start at the Gift Shop at Robert Mills.
1616 Blanding Street
Columbia, SC 29201

Questions? Call (803) 252-7742.

Newsletter Signup

newsletter signup

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for events, news, and updates from Historic Columbia!

  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Flickr
  • Privacy Policy
Website by Cyberwoven