In 1863, the National Bank Act became law, providing for the organization of banks under national supervision.  The First National Bank of Hamilton was granted Charter Number 56 on August 10, 1863.  The neccessary bonds were purchased and deposited with the Treasurer of the United States and the bank opened on August 15, 1863 in a room at 239 High Street.
 
 

	In 1864, the bank moved to the Hamilton House block at the northwest corner of Second and High Streets.  Two years later the bank moved to the new Globe Opera House.  In 1887 the bank moved to the Shuler and Benninghofen Block at Third and High Streets.  The bank continued to grow, acquiring Miami Valley National Bank in 1914 and the Hamilton Dime Savings Bank in 1928.
Third and High Streets Home of First National from 1887-1928

In 1928, the old building was razed and ground was broken in 1929 for a new eight story building.  The building opened in August, 1930.  The building cost had been approximately $550,000. In 1953, the Bank opened an office on Main Street. Branch offices were then established in the surrounding commuities including Fairfield-Dixie Highway(1965), Ross (1969), University Office (1970), Oxford-Tollgate (1974) and Fairfield-Symmes Road (1975).

First National, northeast corner of Third and High Streets, constructed in 1929-1930

 
 
 
 
 

 © 2000 by the Butler County Historical Society