Three important milestones made 1883 a watershed year for the greater West Plains area. One was the arrival of the railroad, establishing a much-needed lifeline for goods and transportation. Another was construction of a new brick courthouse, signaling a new era of progress for Howell County. And third, West Plains Bank opened its doors to serve local financial needs.
With a state charter mandating community service and $15,000 in capital provided by a group of local investors, West Plains Bank became the town’s first state-regulated financial institution when it commenced business in April 1883. B.J. Olden was the new bank’s first chairman of the board, and R.S. "Uncle Bob" Hogan the first of seven presidents, followed by Ray Holt, Dr. R.E. Hogan, Carrick Davidson, Dan Gohn, S. David Gohn, and current president David M. Gohn, who succeeded his father in 2009.
In 1969, West Plains Bank became the first bank within a 100-mile radius to acquire computer services. The early ‘70s saw the opening of West Plains Bank Motor Bank (now Broadway Branch), our first drive-thru facility. By the time we celebrated our 100-year anniversary in 1983, total assets had grown to more than $53 Million and three branches.
As our financial base continued to grow, so did our services. In 1993, our first location outside West Plains opened when Liberty Branch was established to serve the banking needs of the Mountain View area. Our name change to West Plains Bank and Trust Company in 1998 made trust services available, which currently are provided through partnership with Central Trust Company. In 2015, a Loan Production Office was opened in Mountain Home, Ark., to serve the loan needs of North Central Arkansas.
Now, with six locations, deposit-capable ATMs and mobile banking, West Plains Bank and Trust Company continues to lead the way with products and services designed to meet customer needs. Our efforts are focused on blending the latest in technology with personalized service.
Over the years, there have been numerous offers to sell or merge, but the bank has chosen to remain locally owned and managed. From those modest beginnings in 1883, total assets have grown to more than $370 Million, but the spirit of home-owned independence that guided our founders remains unchanged. We’re dedicated to making sure Every Customer Leaves a Friend.
With a state charter mandating community service and $15,000 in capital provided by a group of local investors, West Plains Bank became the town’s first state-regulated financial institution when it commenced business in April 1883. B.J. Olden was the new bank’s first chairman of the board, and R.S. "Uncle Bob" Hogan the first of seven presidents, followed by Ray Holt, Dr. R.E. Hogan, Carrick Davidson, Dan Gohn, S. David Gohn, and current president David M. Gohn, who succeeded his father in 2009.
In 1969, West Plains Bank became the first bank within a 100-mile radius to acquire computer services. The early ‘70s saw the opening of West Plains Bank Motor Bank (now Broadway Branch), our first drive-thru facility. By the time we celebrated our 100-year anniversary in 1983, total assets had grown to more than $53 Million and three branches.
As our financial base continued to grow, so did our services. In 1993, our first location outside West Plains opened when Liberty Branch was established to serve the banking needs of the Mountain View area. Our name change to West Plains Bank and Trust Company in 1998 made trust services available, which currently are provided through partnership with Central Trust Company. In 2015, a Loan Production Office was opened in Mountain Home, Ark., to serve the loan needs of North Central Arkansas.
Now, with six locations, deposit-capable ATMs and mobile banking, West Plains Bank and Trust Company continues to lead the way with products and services designed to meet customer needs. Our efforts are focused on blending the latest in technology with personalized service.
Over the years, there have been numerous offers to sell or merge, but the bank has chosen to remain locally owned and managed. From those modest beginnings in 1883, total assets have grown to more than $370 Million, but the spirit of home-owned independence that guided our founders remains unchanged. We’re dedicated to making sure Every Customer Leaves a Friend.
Scenes From the Past
Click the links below for past ads and articles about West Plains Bank and Trust Company. All documents listed below have been used with the permission of the original publisher, if known. Documents are in "pdf" format. Download time will depend on the speed of your internet connection.
1900s - Unidentified men in West Plains Bank
1936 - Print Ad - "Eighteen - Eighty - Three, A Memorial Year"
1936 - Print Ad - "Ye Olden Times in Howell County"
1971 - Print Ad - The new West Plains Motor Bank
Mid 1970s - Print Ad - "The Bank Across the Street"
Late 1970s - Print Ad - 1915 Statement of Condition
1977 - Construction of the new (current) Main facility
1982 - Print Ad - Back cover of the November/December edition of the West Plains Gazette
1983 - 100 Year Anniversay article, printed in West Plains Daily Quill, June 15, 1983
1983 - Editorial by Frank L. Martin III, printed in West Plains Daily Quill, June 15 1983
1987 - Print Article for Bank Promotions
1990 - ABA Banking Journal article on S. David Gohn, February, 1990
1993 – Liberty Branch opens in Mountain View, Mo.
2008 – New Liberty Branch location opens to public
2011 – Interior remodel of North Branch
2012 – Launch of community debit card program, which gives back to area schools
2012 – Complete interior and exterior remodel of Broadway Branch
2014 – Loan Production Office Opens in Mountain Home, Ark.
2014/15 – Complete interior remodel of Main Bank
2016 – Partnership with Central Trust Company, Springfield, MO.