First National Bank of El Campo grew out of the Koch and Poole Mercantile Company in the new railroad town of El Campo, where customers began leaving money in the store safe for protection and the business soon took on the functions of a bank. A group of local businessmen then bought the company and received a national bank charter in January 1902, after which a two-story bank building was erected at Monseratte and Post Office Streets. The bank's founders played important roles in El Campo's development and helped lead the city's incorporation in 1905. By providing investment capital for the rice and oil industries that formed the basis of El Campo's economy, the bank expanded with the city, survived the Great Depression, and became a strong financial institution serving residents across Wharton County. After sixty-five years at the Monseratte Street location, it moved to a larger facility at this site and continued supporting business, civic, and youth activities throughout the county.