First National Bank of McConnelsville: A Legacy Since 1863

More than 160 years of banking, community and McConnelsville history.

First National Bank of McConnelsville on the town square, circa 1880 — part of the village’s story since 1863.

It Began in McConnelsville in 1863

In 1863, the same year in which Abraham Lincoln was president of the United States of America, issued the Emancipation Proclamation, and delivered his famous Gettysburg Address, the First National Bank of McConnelsville was organized under the new act forming the National Banking System which Congress had passed into law in February of that year.

The original capital was set at $75,000, divided into 750 shares priced at $100 each. The bank greeted customers at its original location, 32 East Main Street on the town square.

Growing Alongside the Community

First National continued to grow and was sound enough during the 1920s and 30s and kept its doors open throughout the Great Depression.

The ensuing decades were years of growth and stability and in August of 1967, The First National Bank of McConnelsville and The First National Bank of Stockport merged and the combined capital grew.

In March of the following year, the construction of the new Main Office building was done and the McConnelsville office moved to its present location at 86 North Kennebec Avenue. On July 20, 1975, the Stockport Office moved into the new building at 1820 Broadway Street.

First National Bank of McConnelsville at its North Kennebec Avenue location, where the bank moved its Main Office in 1968. This vintage view captures the bank during an era of continued growth in the community.

A Bank—and a Town—Moving Forward

The 1980s brought investment in technology that now allows us to handle all of our check processing and data processing in-house. We also saw the formation of our one bank holding company, FNB Shares, Inc.

The 1990's were a period of continued growth as we opened an additional branch in the Village of Carroll on July 1, 1996, located in Fairfield County. As we saw the closure of major sources of employment, First National Bank continued our commitment to our community that we serve by donating the services of one of our key people to open an Economic Development Office.

In 1999 the bank marked the completion of a $2 million renovation project. On New Year's Eve, McConnelsville was filled with excitement as First National Bank invited the public to an open house and New Year's Eve Celebration. The bank was host to around 400 people from the community who strolled through the new facility.

As the clock struck midnight, a community member flipped the switch to turn on the bank’s computer systems so everyone could see that Y2K came and went without a problem to the bank's technology system.

First National Bank of McConnelsville continued to grow with the community, completing a $2 million renovation project in 1999.

Beyond McConnelsville

July 31, 2000 was a very important day because The First National Bank of McConnelsville and The Junction City Banking Company merged.

With the renovation of the existing facility completed in 2002, First National Bank could offer the Junction City community ATM access, drive-thru banking, Internet Banking, check cards, and more choices in bank products and services. The Stockport Office got a new facelift in the fall of 2002. On June 26, 2003, the Carroll Office moved into their newly constructed facility.

On March 17, 2004, First National Bank opened its 5th location at 1012 East State Street in Athens.

In November 2006, First National Bank of McConnelsville traded the location at 55 High Street in Carroll for a location of 7400 Marion Street in Chesterhill.

On December 5, 2008, First National Bank of McConnelsville and First National Bank in Nelsonville and Glouster merged together.

In November 2013, the Chesterhill Branch located at 7400 Marion Street in Chesterhill was permanently closed.

First National Bank customers now have access to banking facilities in McConnelsville, Athens, Glouster, Junction City, Nelsonville and Stockport.

Charter No. 46

A small select group of national banks still operating today received their charters in 1863, the year the National banking system was founded. The First National Bank of McConnelsville is one of these proud few.

On July 31, 2003, First National Bank was honored to be presented a certificate and letter signed by John D. Hawke, Jr., The Comptroller of Currency, Administrator of National Banks in Washington D.C. The certificate reads “in recognition of the bank's 140 years of distinguished service and contributions to its community.”

First National Bank in McConnelsville has outlived the first entry on the national bank charter list, the First National Bank of Philadelphia.

The Philadelphia bank was founded by another Ohio native, financier Jay Cooke, and had six times the assets of its counterpart in McConnelsville. After the Civil War, the McConnelsville bank helped market railroad bonds issued by Cooke and his new business partner, Hugh McCulloch; the same McCulloch who, as the first Comptroller, oversaw the bank's supervision at its inception.

First National Bank of McConnelsville has grown exponentially since 1863.

The First National Bank of McConnelsville is the oldest national bank still operating under the same original name and the same original Office of the Comptroller Charter — number 46.

Looking Toward the Future

First National Bank of McConnelsville strives to provide excellent customer service to their customers on a daily basis.

As the financial industry continues to evolve, the bank remains committed to embracing innovation while preserving the personal relationships that have defined its legacy for generations.

Looking toward the future, First National Bank is dedicated to expanding convenient banking solutions, enhancing digital services, and providing secure technologies that allow customers to manage their finances with confidence anytime and anywhere. At the same time, the bank will continue to value face-to-face interactions, ensuring every customer receives personalized guidance tailored to their financial goals.

The bank's future vision includes developing new financial products, improving online and mobile banking experiences, and supporting individuals, families, farmers, and local businesses through responsible lending and sound financial advice.

By investing in employee training and community partnerships, First National Bank aims to strengthen the communities it serves while fostering long-term customer relationships built on trust and integrity.

As customer needs change, First National Bank of McConnelsville will remain focused on delivering reliable financial services with honesty, innovation, and compassion.

Through its commitment to excellence, the bank will continue helping customers achieve financial success while serving as a trusted community partner for generations to come.

More Than 160 Years of McConnelsville History

First National Bank of McConnelsville today

First National Bank of McConnelsville today — more than 160 years after its founding, Charter No. 46 remains part of the story of McConnelsville, Ohio. Photo by Colton Tabler.

From its beginnings on the town square in 1863 to its presence in McConnelsville today,

First National Bank is part of a story that continues to unfold in Ohio's River Town.

Submitted by First National Bank of McConnelsville