Ritzville in Adams County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
Adams County Bank
1891
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, June 12, 2017
1. Adams County Bank Marker
Established in 1891 by pioneer settle J.D. Bassett, the Adams County bank was the first financial institution in the county. Now the second oldest brick building in the community, the two-story structure features flat arched fenestration with original double hung wood sash, stone lintels and stills, and a monumental granite corner entry with stone surround and a paneled door. A 34-foot addition was built in 1901 for new vaults and more offices. The bank was renamed the First National Bank of Ritzville and in 1920 merged with Pioneer Bank to become the Pioneer National Bank. Two vaults remain today, one with "Richard B. Ott" and the other with "First National Bank" printed on them. It is still one of the most stylish intact buildings in the historic district.
Erected by Historic Ritzville Walking Tour. (Marker Number 21.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1891.
Location. 47° 7.564′ N, 118° 22.895′ W. Marker is in Ritzville, Washington, in Adams County. It is at the intersection
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Washington’s Columbia Basin, in the Palouse, and in Greater Spokane. It is also in the American Mountain West and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, the Pacific Rim, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Ritzville Public Library 1907 (within shouting distance of this marker); E.D. Gilson Building (within shouting distance of this marker); N. H. Greene Building (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); H.E. Gritman Building (about 400 feet away); Pioneer State Bank (about 700 feet away); The Ritz Theatre (about 700 feet away).
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, June 12, 2017
2. Adams County Bank
Credits. This page was last revised on June 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 17, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. This page has been viewed 12 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 17, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
