The First Bank in Big Lake
Big Lake, Reagan County, Texas
Marker Inscription
On this site the first bank in Reagan County was founded, with capital stock of $15,000.00. The initial stockholders meeting was held on March 29, 1913. The title of the institution was the First State Bank of Big Lake. On the original board of directors were James Belcher, P. H. Coates, Henry Japson, C. C. Sanders, W. M. Schneemann, Jr., J. M. Shannon, and J. H. Wilson. That bank began its operations in one room of this structure now used exclusively to house the Reagan State Bank, a successor institution, which was opened for business on September 2, 1969.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Reagan County's first bank was chartered on this site in 1913 as the First State Bank of Big Lake, capitalized at $15,000 by a small circle of local ranchers and businessmen. Its founding board reflected the tight-knit leadership of a frontier community organizing its financial life. The building later housed the Reagan State Bank, a successor institution that opened in 1969.
Why it matters
A town's first bank marks the moment a frontier settlement builds the financial infrastructure needed to sustain commerce and growth.
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Related people
- · J. M. Shannon
- · Henry Japson
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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