Winnsboro Historical Museum
100 East Broadway
A town that does not protect its history does not have a future.
American Legion Building
Historic Sign Message
Constructed in 1933 from native Winnsboro rock by members of the American Legion. Post 340 named for Carl Azbell, WWI veteran killed in the St. Mihiel sector of France 1918. Winnsboro Texas Defense Guard, Boy Scout Troop 392 and Campfire Girls met here during WWII. Served as an oilfield supply house and City of Winnsboro warehouse. The historical structure was restored by Franklin National Bank in 1995.
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The American Legion Building, located at 102 West Broadway in Winnsboro, is a historic structure built in 1933 by members of the Carl E. Azbell American Legion Post 340.
Construction and Design
Materials: The building was constructed using native Winnsboro rock (or stone).
Labor and Funding: Legion members personally hauled the stone from an area east of town. The members provided most of the labor for construction and furnished the money for the necessary materials themselves.
Location: The land was acquired with the help of the City of Winnsboro and is situated west of the old 1926 City Hall.
Historical Use
The building has served various purposes since its completion:
Post Headquarters: It replaced the City Park auditorium, where the Legion had met from 1926 to 1934.
Community Hub: It provided meeting facilities for Boy Scout Troop 392 and the Campfire Girls.
WWII Headquarters: During World War II, it served as the headquarters for the Texas Defense Guard Company 42 C.
Post-War Commercial Use: Following the war, the structure was used as an oil field supply house and later served as a warehouse for the City of Winnsboro.
Restoration and Current Status
After falling into decay for several years, the historic edifice was acquired by the Franklin National Bank of Mount Vernon in 1996 (some sources note 1995). The bank completely restored both the old City Hall and the rock building. Today, the building is part of the First Baptist Church campus, though Post 340 still holds its monthly meetings there on the first Tuesday of each month.