History

The First National Bank of Platteville was one of the first National Banks in Wisconsin, having been incorporated November 7, 1891. 

The First National Bank building was constructed in 1924-1925 on the corner of Main and Third Streets.  In 1971, a second site was chosen at the corner of Main and Chestnut Street, where the First Methodist Church; commonly referred to as Town Clock Church, previously stood.  On June 12, 1972, the doors to our current facility were opened for business.

In the spring of 1988, we entered into an expansion project that included renovation of our existing facility.  The project included technological advances as well as an additional 6,000 square feet of office space and was completed in September, 1988.  Also in 1988, our Holding Company, First Shares, Incorporated was formed. First National Bank is now wholly owned by First Shares, Incorporated with essentially the same shareholder base. The formation of the Holding Company helps to better position us for the future. 

First National Bank is recognized for two outstanding accomplishments in 1991. The year represented a "Century of Service" for the Bank in addition to the opening of a second office in Lancaster, Wisconsin. 

First Shares Investment Services was established in 1996, creating name recognition for another service First National Bank is able to offer customers.  The alternative investments customers were looking for had been available for several years.  First Shares Investment Services provides an avenue to market this existing service and to actively pursue business in this related financial industry.

To accommodate a need for additional offices, our facility underwent a remodeling project in 1997.  The renovation included finishing our upper level, the addition of an elevator accessing all three levels, and installation of new teller units.  This project centrally located our Trust and Investment Center to the upper level, centralized our retail services, and provided additional office space for future growth.

Throughout 1999, our focus was directed to three specific projects; year 2000, expanding our Lancaster Office and in-house data processing.  A new building for the Lancaster Office was constructed on a site known as the Pink Pony and most recently, Hardees.  The larger facility allowed for expanded financial services to better serve the community of Lancaster.  The Grand Opening was held on December 15, 1999.

During third quarter 2000, First National Bank reached another milestone in their long history, the opening of a third location. With the announcement earlier in the year that the Hazel Green Branch of F&M Bank was being eliminated, First National Bank acquired the deposits and opened for business in Hazel Green, Wisconsin on October 23, 2000. 

Advancements in technology brought about two significant changes for First National Bank in 2002.  Twenty-first century banking brought with it customers looking for convenience.  First National Bank responded to these customer needs early in the first quarter with the design and introduction of our web page, followed by online banking.

Since 1996, First Shares Investment Services served as public awareness that First National Bank was able to offer customers alternative investments.  To expand on this service, First Financial Center, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of First National Bank was formed in the first quarter of 2002.  First Financial Center, Inc. functions as the insurance and investment arm of First National Bank which broadens our ability to serve the needs of customers looking for various types of insurance and investment products.

The First National Bank has experienced many changes during its historic past, and is proud to still be an influential part of Southwest Wisconsin's financial community.

For more information on First National Bank, our history or our products, feel free to contact us.