Parcel Post Bank (2) Markers

In 1916, wanting a proper brick building for his Vernal bank and finding freight ruinous over the mountains, W.H. Coltharp did the math and mailed it. A full boxcar of Salt Lake City brick, each piece wrapped, went by U.S. parcel post to the railhead at Watson, then by wagon team the last miles to Vernal — a shipment so large the Post Office soon capped how much any one person could send. Locals dubbed it the "Parcel Post Bank of the World," and it still stands on Vernal's Main Street.

What the plaque says

September 1886 Samuel R. Bennion was sent here to establish a banking institution called the 'Ashley Co-op.' In 1903 the first pioneer bank was opened for business. In 1916 W.H. Coltharp erected this building with Salt Lake City brick. A full car load of brick was used, each wrapped separately and sent Parcel Post U.S. Mail to Watson, Utah by train. From there they were hauled to Vernal by freight wagon and teams. It is known as the “Parcel Post Bank of the World.” With N.J. Meagher, Sr. cashier, this bank has been a great factor in the development of Uintah Basin. Uintah County, Utah

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Vernal — steps away
  The self-proclaimed Dinosaur Capital of Utah
• Utah Field House of Natural History — steps away
  A dinosaur museum with life-size replicas in an outdoor garden
• Steinaker State Park — 4.2 mi
  A warm-water reservoir popular for swimming in the desert heat
• McConkie Ranch Petroglyphs — 6.6 mi
  Massive Fremont-era rock art panels on private ranch land open to visitors

More markers nearby

• Fort Ashley Center — steps away
• Afghanistan & Iraq Veterans Memorial — steps away
• American Mother Veterans War Memorial — steps away
• Men of Courage Monument (WWII) — steps away