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. 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. It is at the intersection of Garrison Avenue (U.S. 64) and 6th Street (Arkansas

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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.

Regionally, this marker is in the Arkansas River Valley,

in the Cherokee Heritage Region,

and in Osage Territory.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

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,

the Louisiana Purchase,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Phoenix Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Purple Heart Memorial (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Our Confederate Dead (about 500 feet away); Sebastian County California Gold Seekers (about 500 feet away); 50 Year Concrete Street Service Award • 1963 (about 600 feet away); W.J. Murphy - Eads Brothers Building in 1903 (about 600

First National Bank Marker (back) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., January 17, 2016

2. First National Bank Marker (back)

feet away); The Fishback Block in 1872 (about 600 feet away); 1908 Reunion of U.S. Marshals (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Smith.

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.

Also see . . .
1. First National Bank of Fort Smith. (Submitted on January 24, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
2. Historical plaques placed in downtown Fort Smith. (Submitted on January 24, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)

First National Bank and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., January 17, 2016

3. First National Bank and Marker

First National Bank image. Click for full size.

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 Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,564 times since then and 76 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 24, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.