Caldwell National Bank
Caldwell, Burleson County, Texas
Marker Inscription
On January 24, 1903, a group of local businessmen under the direction of J. J. Lane and C. C. Nelms met for the purpose of establishing a national bank. The thirty original stock subscribers who attended pledged $25,000 in organizational capital and the institution opened the following month. Operating under Federal Charter No. 6607, Caldwell National Bank is the first and the oldest publicity owned financial institution in Burleson County. In 1906, following earlier increases in capital, the business was expanded when the directors voted to purchase the assets of the First National Bank, a Caldwell financial institution under the direction of William Reeves. Three years later, Caldwell National Bank operations were moved to this site. The original building here was later replaced by a larger facility. Burleson County native C. C. Nelms became president of the bank in 1923 and was named chairman of the board in 1953. He died in 1961, following 58 years of service to the institution. A growing yet stable financial force in Caldwell and in Burleson County, the Caldwell National Bank has been a leader in the development of the community since the turn of the century. (1981)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In January 1903 local businessmen led by J.J. Lane and C.C. Nelms gathered to charter a national bank, and thirty subscribers pledged $25,000 to open Caldwell National Bank the next month. Operating under Federal Charter No. 6607, it became the first and oldest publicly owned financial institution in Burleson County, absorbing a rival bank in 1906 and moving to this site in 1909. Under C.C. Nelms, who served 58 years until his death in 1961, the bank grew into a steadying force in the local economy.
Why it matters
A county's first national bank shows how locally rooted finance underwrote the growth of small-town Texas at the dawn of the 20th century.
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Related people
- · J.J. Lane
- · C.C. Nelms
- · William Reeves
Themes & tags
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