Cloud State Bank
Also known as: The Peoples National Bank
Why it's listed
Built in 1882 at 108 N. Washington Street in McLeansboro, this red brick bank building is trimmed with projecting light stone blocks and rests on a sandstone foundation. It rises about 55 feet to a slate mansard roof, with tall windows, matching dormers and a frontispiece topped by a mansarded clock tower. Chalon G. Cloud designed it, and Cloud and his cousin Chalon Guard McCoy had founded the Hamilton County Bank, which moved into the new building when it was finished. The nomination describes it as a florid Second Empire design, shown by the mansard roof, iron ornaments and dormers, with elements of many other styles added. It was built entirely with private funds and has served the public almost continuously. The exterior is largely unchanged. Inside, false ceilings and added walls have changed the original open hall, but the vault, most woodwork and the original ceiling survive. A 1961 addition sits to the north.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the building is a florid example of the Second Empire style, which is unusual for this part of the country. Its mansard roof, iron ornaments and dormer windows mark the style, while elaborate ornamentation and elements of many other styles make it a unique statement. It was built with private funds and has served the public almost continuously since 1882.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 78001149, listed November 28, 1978. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 108 N. Washington St., McLeansboro |
|---|---|
| County | Hamilton County |
| Listed | November 28, 1978 |
| Reference number | 78001149 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1800-1899 |
| Architect / builder | Designed by Chalon G. Cloud |
| Architectural style | Second Empire |
| Areas of significance | Industry, Commerce, Architecture |
| Level of significance | State |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Exterior in good condition and virtually unchanged; interior altered by false ceilings and partitions, though the vault and most original woodwork and ceiling remain. A 1961 addition adjoins on the north lot. Occupied and used commercially as a bank. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 38.09375, -88.53660 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
For an income-producing building, listing (individually or as a contributing building in a district) is the gateway to the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit on qualified rehabilitation costs, often stackable with state credits. Work claiming the credit must follow the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and be approved in advance.
Listing does not restrict a private owner acting without federal money or permits; where federal funding or licensing is involved, Section 106 review applies.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 78001149.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q5135685
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.