Banking

The banking history of Fayetteville and Lincoln County is a tapestry of early ventures and enduring institutions that fueled the region’s growth for over a century. The financial landscape began to take shape in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the establishment of the original First National Bank—distinct from the modern bank of the same name—and the short-lived Lincoln Savings Bank, which paved the way for future stability. For decades, the local economy was anchored by major pillars like Union National Bank and the historic Lincoln County Bank, the latter serving as a cornerstone of commerce before its eventual acquisition by Regions Bank. Beyond the county seat, community-focused independence was vital, with the First National Bank of Petersburg in the north and the Peoples Bank of Kelso in the south providing essential, localized support to their agricultural neighbors, ensuring that financial resources were accessible across the entire county.