First National Bank
Livingston, Polk County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Organized as a private bank -- Polk County Bank -- about 1898, by G. W. Riddle and C. H. Davison. Became Citizens National Bank in 1902, year the town burned. Rebuilt as Livingston's first brick building. Was reorganized 1910 as First National Bank, with John W. Cochran president. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1967
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
This bank traces its roots to a private institution, the Polk County Bank, organized around 1898 by local businessmen. It became Citizens National Bank in 1902, the year fire swept Livingston, and it rose again as the town's first brick building. Reorganized in 1910 as the First National Bank, it anchored the commercial life of this East Texas county seat.
Why it matters
A hometown bank rebuilt in brick after a devastating fire embodies the resilience and commercial maturing of small Texas towns at the turn of the twentieth century.
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Related people
- · G. W. Riddle
- · C. H. Davison
- · John W. Cochran
Themes & tags
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