Security Bank and Trust Company
Wharton, Wharton County, Texas
Marker Inscription
The Security Bank and Trust Company traces its history to the Wharton National Bank. The second banking institution to open in the city, the Wharton National Bank was organized in 1902, and closed in 1915. Following reorganization, the bank reopened in January 1916 as Security Bank and Trust Company. A State of Texas charter was granted in May 1918. The first officers of the Security Bank and Trust Company were A. A. Mullins, R. J. Wright, Tom Brooks, and E. Hawes, Sr. The institution's board of directors counted among its member's civic leaders and prominent businessmen of the community, including G. A. Harrison, T. Gordon, and G. H. Northington, Sr. The Security Bank and Trust Company has been an important part of Wharton's history since its opening, and has contributed to the community in many ways. Its directors were instrumental in the organization of major civic activities, including the Wharton County Youth Fair, and the bank was a catalyst in the founding of Wharton County Junior College. Security Bank and Trust continues to serve Wharton and the surrounding communities, actively maintaining an involvement in civic projects.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Security Bank and Trust Company traces its roots to Wharton National Bank, the town's second bank, founded in 1902. After that institution closed in 1915, it reorganized and reopened in 1916 as Security Bank and Trust, earning a state charter in 1918. Led by local businessmen, the bank became a fixture of community life, helping launch the Wharton County Youth Fair and playing a catalytic role in founding Wharton County Junior College.
Why it matters
Its history illustrates how a hometown bank could anchor a rural county's civic and educational institutions well beyond its role in commerce.
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Related people
- · A. A. Mullins
- · G. H. Northington, Sr.
Themes & tags
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