El Campo in Wharton County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

First National Bank of El Campo

Photographed by Steve Gustafson, June 13, 2010

1. First National Bank of El Campo Marker

Inscription. The First National Bank of El Campo traces its history to the Koch and Poole Mercantile Company. In 1890 El Campo was an exciting new railroad town. Customers left their money in the Koch and Poole safe for protection, and soon the store assumed the duties of a banking institution. A group of local businessmen purchased the company and applied for a national bank charter, which was granted in January 1902.

A two-story bank building was erected on the corner of Monseratte and Post Office Streets. The bank's founders were instrumental in the development of El Campo and led efforts to have the city incorporated in 1905.

Providing investment capital for the rice and oil industries, which were the foundations of El Campo's economy, the bank grew with the city, survived the Great Depression, and emerged as a strong financial institution serving residents throughout Wharton County. After sixty-five years at the Monseratte St. location the bank moved to a larger facility at this site. It continues to support business, civic, and youth activities throughout the county.

Erected 1991 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 1795.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1902.

Location.

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

29° 11.845′ N, 96° 16.11′ W. Marker is in El Campo, Texas, in Wharton County. It is on East Jackson Street (Business U.S. 59) just east of North Washington Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 202 East Jackson Street, El Campo TX 77437, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

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 are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Prairie Switch (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); El Campo (about 600 feet away); El Campo Library Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); El Campo First Baptist Church (approx. ¼ mile away); First Christian Church of El Campo (approx. 0.3 miles away); El Campo Independent School District (approx. half a mile away); St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Parish (approx. half a mile away); Site of Pierce Hotel (approx. 5 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in El Campo.

Photographed by Steve Gustafson, June 13, 2010

2. First National Bank of El Campo Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 18, 2010, by Steve Gustafson of Lufkin, Texas. This page has been viewed 811 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 18, 2010, by Steve Gustafson of Lufkin, Texas. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.