Jefferson in Marion County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

The First National Bank of Jefferson

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, March 20, 2023

1. The First National Bank of Jefferson Marker

Inscription. Thomas J. Rogers (1832-1918), a native of Mississippi, came to Jefferson in 1856. After serving in the Civil War, where he attained the rank of captain, he returned here and in 1868 established a mercantile business in this block. In partnership with his son Ben F. Rogers, he opened private banking facilities in the store in 1896. Eight years later the private bank received a Federal charter, as the Rogers National Bank.

Following the death of his father, Ben opened the Rogers State Bank and Trust at another site in this block. It closed in 1928 and was succeeded by the Jefferson Bank and Trust. Later incorporated as the Jefferson State Bank, it remained in operation until 1932. The Commercial National Bank, started in 1907, was also located here until 1920.

During the economic depression of the 1930s, the Rogers National Bank remained sound. It was one of the first institutions to reopen without a special examination after President Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1933 closing of the nation's banks.

A reorganization in 1950 resulted in the formation of the First National Bank of Jefferson. The present facility, constructed

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on the site of the original bank, is modeled after T.J. Rogers' building.

Erected 1981 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 8040.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.

Location. 32° 45.465′ N, 94° 20.706′ W. Marker is in Jefferson, Texas, in Marion County. It is at the intersection of North Polk Street (Farm to Market Road 134) and Lafayette Street, on the right when traveling north on North Polk Street. Jefferson Square (Polk and Lafayette St.). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 202 North Polk Street, Jefferson TX 75657, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and in the Piney Woods.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, March 20, 2023

2. The First National Bank of Jefferson Marker

are within walking distance of this marker: The Brooks House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Beard House (about 400 feet away); Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (about 400 feet away); Brown Building (about 500 feet away); Texas Statesman Charles Allen Culberson (about 500 feet away); Marion County Confederate Monument (about 500 feet away); S. D. Rainey Home (about 500 feet away); Marion County Courthouse (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jefferson.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 5, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 21, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 562 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 21, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.