You don’t get legendary service without growing deep roots in the communities you serve—and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Serving customers since 1890 is a proud legacy we’ve sustained through decades of historic, economic and technological changes.

The 1920s brought dark days for banking, but frugal management kept our local roots strong. By December 1932, when all the other banks in town were shuttered, First National Bank of Bowie survived by pinching pennies.

Less than three months later, the federal government declared a national bank holiday. On March 15, 1933, the first day any national bank outside reserve cities¹ and cities with clearing houses was allowed to open its doors, we reopened for business.

The 1940s ushered in an era of not just surviving but thriving. It wasn’t long before the bank needed more space and began adding to the original landmark building in Bowie.

The bank continued to prosper with deposits exceeding the $1 million mark in the late 1940s. Whoever said “the first million is the hardest” must have been thinking of First National Bank.² It took 50 years to get to the first million. Less than three years later, we passed the $2 million mark.

First National Bank saw continued growth during these four decades. In the early 1960s, the bank built its first drive-thru to make the customer experience more convenient.

In the 1990s, we experienced substantial growth by acquiring four additional banking centers in Nocona, Alvord, Henrietta, and Decatur. In 1999, the combined assets of the First National Bank of Bowie achieved an all-time record: over $223 million.

Facing increased competition and over 300 “First National Banks” in Texas alone, the board of directors sought a more distinctive name. Staying true to the bank’s commitment to remain a locally owned financial institution, the board voted on “Legend Bank” in 2001.

Expansion continued with new locations in Whitesboro, Bonham, Ft. Worth, Wichita Falls, and Sherman. In 2015, we celebrated 125 years of service to our customers and the communities we serve.

In 2016, the new Bowie Banking Center and headquarters opened, marking another important period in our history. Our branch highlights our heritage reminiscent of early 1900s banking-inspired design, while state-of-the-art technology brings modern banking conveniences to life.

In 2017, Legend Bank ranked 4th Best Bank to Work for in the Nation and 22nd Best Company to Work for in Texas. In September 2017, we opened the Bowie Operations Center adjacent to the Bowie Banking Center. The next year, we opened full-service locations in Wichita Falls and North Richland Hills. In 2019, we acquired two bank locations in Whitewright and Cooper.

In January 2020, we opened a full-service location in Sherman to serve the Grayson County area. On March 10, 2020, we celebrated our 130th anniversary.

That same year, our bankers pulled together to overcome the challenges, limitations and requirements of the COVID-19 pandemic. We helped nearly 800 business owners keep their employees paid and their doors open, saving 5,618 local small business jobs through the PPP.