First Bank N.A.

On January 17, 1931, the bank opened its doors as Phillips National Bank. The bank, built out of the few remaining assets of the Merchants and Planters Bank, began operation in quarters formerly occupied by that bank, on the corner of Cherry and Elm Streets until forced by growth to seek larger space. The bank constructed its new building on famous Cherry Street, where it is presently located. The building is said to have been the first banking house built in Phillips County, previous banks having utilized quarters constructed for other purposes.

The late D.T. Hargraves, a prominent businessman who was also Helena's mayor, was the first president. Hargraves served as President until an experienced banker could be brought in, this being B.L. Ross of Marianna. Ross was succeeded in 1938 by Wayne Stone of Springdale, who served until 1954. F. L. Thompson, a Helena native who started his banking career as a schoolboy, became President after Stone. Directors in addition to Thompson, were O. W. Howe, T. W. Keesee, F. R. McKnight, M.O. Rasberry, R.H. Ross, David Solomon, Jr., and Earl Wells, Sr.

January 28, 1972 - F.L. Thompson, Chairman of the Board disclosed that the bank had made application to the Comptroller of the Currency to change the bank's name to First National Bank of Philips County. In October 1972 the name change became official and Phillips National Bank officially became First National Bank of Phillips County.

August 1981 - First Delta Corporation, a one-bank holding company, acquired First National Bank of Phillips County and a group of Helena business and civic leaders purchased stock in the bank.

May 1993 - First Delta Corporation, the holding company for First National Bank of Phillips County, entered an agreement to purchase controlling interest from the majority stockholder in the Delta State Bank of Elaine. First Delta Corporation is now the first multi-bank holding company in Phillips County.

March 1998 - William H. "Bill" Brandon, CEO of First Delta Corporation and CEO of Southern Development Corporation announced a merger of First Delta Corporation and Southern Development Bancorporation in Arkadelphia. The offer was then approved by First Delta Corporation shareholders.

Southern Development Bancorporation owns Elk Horn Bank in Arkadelphia as well as many community and economic development entities, which are very active in Phillips County. In bringing these two banking corporations together, First National Bank can give our customers a guarantee that the bank will remain locally controlled with a local bank charter that will have local management, local decision-making and a local board of directors just like we have done since 1931.

April 2001- Delta State Bank in Elaine begins operating as a branch of First National Bank of Phillips County.

July 2001 - First National Bank purchases and begins operating Union Planters branches (formerly Merchants and Farmers) in West Helena and Marvell as branches of First National Bank of Phillips County. First National Bank is in more areas of Phillips County than any other local bank.

July 2002 - First National Bank’s new Barton Branch opens.

April 4, 2005 - First National Bank announces their new name First Bank of the Delta, N.A.. The name change reflects First Bank’s plans to expand outside of Phillips County.

April 22, 2005 - First Bank’s new loan office opens in Southaven, Mississippi.

With the consolidation today in banking, it is our belief that many people are still looking for a community bank with decisions made at home. That is exactly what First Bank will remain. It is a very friendly, amiable and positive step for the bank, the customers and the employees.

Click here for a list of current First Bank, N.A.'s Officers and Directors.

Member FDIC

First Bank, N.A.
P.O. Box 2507
425 Plaza Street
West Helena, AR 72390
mainoffice@firstbankdelta.com
(870) 816-1111

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