Have you ever seen a bank vault with your own eyes? Not in movies or television, but actually been up close to a bank vault – and a very old one, at that. This little town in Stark County, North Dakota has a very unique feature that probably no other town in the world can say they have.
The town of Lefor, North Dakota is a small unincorporated community just southeast of Dickinson.
Andrew Filer/Flickr
Most of the town is fairly empty nowadays, but even though the Lefor post office closed in 2002, it still has its own ZIP code.
Andrew Filer/Flickr
Other than a few of the more interesting buildings still standing in Lefor, there is a unique feature from its past that, despite time and nature taking its course, has still not fallen.
Andrew Filer/Flickr
In this spot once stood the Lefor State Bank, built in 1913. By the time the Great Depression hit, many banks in the country were closing up and this one was unfortunately no different.
Andrew Filer/Flickr
The building of the bank itself was torn down, but there was one part if it that just wouldn’t go. That part is the bank vault, which you can see here. Standing alone yet strong, it has been marked by a metal arch.
Andrew Filer/Flickr
The metal arch proclaims this spot the “Remnants of the Lefor State Bank.” It includes names and a vintage photograph of the bank when it was still in its prime. Back then, this vault was safely hidden inside. Now it is all that is left and seems strong enough that it won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.
Andrew Filer/Flickr
This town is an unusual but interesting way to see an old, stubborn bank vault, which I’d say is an opportunity that doesn’t really come by often, if ever. That’s one of the great things about North Dakota – our history is still strongly present and you can experience it in the most unique of ways!
Andrew Filer/Flickr
Discover more fascinating small towns in North Dakota you may have never heard of before.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
