Fort Smith in Sebastian County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)
First National Bank
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., January 17, 2016
1. First National Bank Marker
Inscription.
First National Bank. . In 1888, First National Bank built its first bank building, a modest two-story brick building at South Sixth and Garrison. A few years into the 20th century, bank president Samuel McLoud ordered plans drawn up for what would be the tallest building in Fort Smith to replace the old bank. The new building would utilize the most modern designs to ensure customer comfort, efficiency of operation and the protection of deposits. The landmark eight-story First National Bank building opened Jan. 31, 1910, the lobby awash in white marble, electric lights and ceiling fans, the custom tile floor accessorized with heavy brass spittoons. One hundred years later, First National Bank remained our largest financial institution and the second oldest bank in Arkansas.
In 1888, First National Bank built its first bank building, a modest two-story brick building at South Sixth and Garrison. A few years into the 20th century, bank president Samuel McLoud ordered plans drawn up for what would be the tallest building in Fort Smith to replace the old bank. The new building would utilize the most modern designs to ensure customer comfort, efficiency of operation and the protection of deposits. The landmark eight-story First National Bank building opened Jan. 31, 1910, the lobby awash in white marble, electric lights and ceiling fans, the custom tile floor accessorized with heavy brass spittoons. One hundred years later, First National Bank remained our largest financial institution and the second oldest bank in Arkansas.
Erected 2012 by City of Fort Smith and Others.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is January 31, 1910.
Location. 35° 23.247′ N, 94° 25.52′ W. Marker is in Fort Smith, Arkansas, in Sebastian County. Marker is at the intersection of Garrison Avenue (U.S. 64) and 6th Street (Arkansas Highway 255), on the right when traveling west on Garrison Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 523 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith AR 72901, United States of America. Touch for directions.
More about this marker. The markers in this series are placed so that viewers can only read them from the sidewalk while facing the historical subject of the marker.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., January 17, 2016
2. First National Bank Marker (back)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., January 17, 2016
3. First National Bank and Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., January 17, 2016
4. First National Bank
Credits. This page was last revised on August 16, 2020. It was originally submitted on January 24, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 813 times since then and 107 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 24, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
