Ardmore in Carter County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)
The First National Bank and Trust Company of Ardmore
The Oldest Bank in Oklahoma
| | Ardmore Main Street | |
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 4, 2025
1. The First National Bank and Trust Company of Ardmore Marker
Two years after the City of Ardmore was founded, the First National Bank & Trust Company of Ardmore began as a private bank in 1889 by J. F. Anderson and his son, Charles. Within a year, a national charter was granted, giving the bank the honor of being the first to be nationally chartered in Indian Territory.
Subsequent to receipt of its charter, the bank moved into permanent quarters located on the northeast corner of Caddo and Main Streets, between the Post Office and Apollos Funeral Parlor. The two-story structure had the distinction of being the first brick building in Ardmore.
Following the big fire of 1895, which destroyed most of the downtown buildings, the bank rebuilt on the northeast corner of Washington and Main Streets.
In 1918, First National built the building on which this plaque is located. It was the most striking architectural structure of its time. The building's gold leaf murals and stained glass skylight topping the 35-foot ceiling brought sightseers from near and far.
In December of 1933, the bank was reorganized and rechartered as First National Bank of Ardmore, and remained operating under the same
this page online
The First National Bank and Trust Company of Ardmore operates seven branches located in Marietta, Lone Grove, Ringling, and the Ardmore Airpark.
Erected by Ardmore Main Street Authority.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1889.
Location. 34° 10.372′ N, 97° 7.74′ W. Marker is in Ardmore, Oklahoma, in Carter County. It is at the intersection of West Main Street and A Street Northwest, on the left when traveling east on West Main Street. The marker is mounted near ground level on the south/front facade of the subject building.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 4, 2025
2. The First National Bank and Trust Company of Ardmore Marker
The marker is mounted near ground level on the left side of the front entrance.
Regionally, this marker is in Oklahoma’s Chickasaw Nation. It is also in the American South, specifically on the prairies, and on the Southern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Simpson-Little-Colston Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Banker's National Bank Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Masonic Temple 1896 (within shouting distance of this marker); Hotel Wisnor / Carter-Booker Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Killing of US Marshal Dow Braziel (about 400 feet away); Noble Brothers Hardware (about 400 feet away); Federal Courthouse (1898) (about 500 feet away); Daubes Store
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 4, 2025
3. The First National Bank (southwest corner)
The marker is mounted below the column on the right.
Regarding The First National Bank and Trust Company of Ardmore. Contributing property, Ardmore Historic Commercial District, National Register of Historic Places № 83002080.
From the National Register Nomination prepared by Karen Bode Curths, 2/1982:
The Ardmore Historic Commercial District consists of a group of ninety-seven major structures extending six blocks west from the railroad tracks down both sides of Main Street to C Street W. Built between 1895 and 1924, this prosperous district continues to serve as the core of the commercial center for south-central Oklahoma. As a result, the predominantly red brick buildings have been well maintained and most of the structures still display their original design. Some attempts have been made to rejuvenate facades and street level entries, but local property owners have expressed an interest in preserving the character of this historic area and most renovating is in keeping with the historical integrity of the buildings.First National Bank Building, 13-15 W. Main: 1918-1924 One story equal to three stories, limestone, classical revival structure capped with Tuscan entablature and divided into three bays by the four ionic columns resting on two tall, grey granite bases and projecting like a portico. Each bay has a pair of 6x6 double-hung sash windows capped with a fan light. Below the central window unit, the double door flanked with pilasters support a decorative entablature pediment including medallions and dentils. Each bay to the side of the door has a pair of 2x2 double-hung sash windows with decorative window boxes similar to the one above the entablature pediment. Inscribed in the frieze above the columns is First National Bank and the two bronze plaques on the granite base read First National Bank Oldest Bank in Oklahoma Founded 1889. While most of the bank's services have moved to a new facility, this building is still used as the computer and record center for the bank. The unusual style of this structure shares features common to other structures, especially the common roofline, the semi-circular arched shapes of the windows.
Also see . . . Oklahomas Original Bank.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 4, 2025
4. Vintage Burglar Alarm Box
It is installed on the second story of front/south facade.
Excerpt: Founded Alongside Ardmore, 1889. Established just two years after the City of Ardmore was founded, 1NB launched the first bank in the city and eventually what would become the state of Oklahoma. Growing with the city from its infancy, we helped our earliest residents and institutions get their start.(Submitted on August 22, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)For over 130 years, 1NB has bolstered the people and businesses of Ardmore and southern Oklahoma through trustworthy financial service. Weve evolved our operations over decades of service, and were proud to have upheld an enduring track record of community service, dependability and innovation.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 4, 2025
5. Cold War era fallout shelter & bronze plaque
First National Bank
The oldest bank in Oklahoma founded 1889
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 4, 2025
6. The First National Bank (south/front faηade)
Looking north across Main Street.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 4, 2025
7. The First National Bank and Trust Company of Ardmore (southwest elevation)
The bank building occupies the northeast corner of the Main Street & A Street intersection.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 22, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 170 times since then and 75 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on August 22, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
