Historical Marker

Del Rio Bank & Trust

Historical marker location:
1200 Veterans Blvd, Del Rio, Texas
( The southeast corner of the block (which is entirely occupied by the Bank & Trust), at Veterans Blvd. and 10th Street, near the Veterans Blvd. sidewalk and the south parking lot of the Bank & Trust main building.)
Marker installed: 2012
Marker size: 27" x 42" with post

One of the county’s oldest and most influential institutions is the Del Rio Bank and Trust, which is one year older than the city government of Del Rio. The bank organized on August 10, 1910. The original shareholders of the bank and trust purchased 750 shares at $100 per share. Those shareholders consisted of several of the most prominent members of the community and the southwest Texas ranching and entrepreneurial communities, including John Nance Garner, Vice President of the U.S. Under President Franklin Roosevelt. The original location was in the heart of the town’s original business district, moving in 1939 to a larger facility only a block away on south main. Drive-thru banking was added in 1957 and was the first bank in Del Rio to have this convenience. In the summer of 1976, the Del Rio bank and trust moved to its current location on Veterans Blvd. The new facility had double the square footage as well as a larger drive-thru.

In addition to serving the area as a financial institution, the Del Rio bank and trust has assisted the community in many fashions. It has awarded scholarships and supported many local programs. The bank lends out their facilities to local clubs and community training classes. It has also adopted Greenwood Park, covers the cleaning and maintenance costs and is responsible for the restoration and preservation of the Cassinelli Gin House, one of Del Rio’s few national register sites. Almost consecutively owned by community members, the Del Rio Bank and Trust has been a part of the foundation of the Del Rio community for over a century

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

banks, bankers, banking topics
Texas was once a part of Mexico but gained independence in 1836 after a famous battle at the Alamo.
Texas random facts
Val Verde County, located in southwestern Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by various indigenous tribes, including the Coahuiltecans and Lipan Apaches. In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the area, and by the 18th century, Spanish missions were established to convert the native populations to Christianity.

In the early 19th century, Val Verde County became a part of Texas after the Mexican War of Independence. The region saw conflict during the Texas Revolution, with the infamous Battle of Val Verde taking place near the county's namesake river in 1862. The battle, part of the American Civil War, resulted in a Confederate victory.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Val Verde County experienced significant economic growth. The arrival of the railroad in the 1880s stimulated agriculture and ranching industries. The county also became a hub for mining, particularly silver, lead, and zinc. The city of Del Rio, the county seat, emerged as an important trading center and transportation hub.

Val Verde County continued to evolve throughout the 20th century. The construction of Amistad Dam in the 1960s brought about the formation of Lake Amistad, which became a popular recreational area. The county's economy shifted to include tourism and outdoor activities, drawing visitors to its natural beauty and historical sites.

Today, Val Verde County remains an important part of Texas history and a vibrant community. Its rich past is celebrated through museums and heritage sites, while the region's diverse cultural and natural resources contribute to its appeal as a tourist destination.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Val Verde County, Texas.

  • 1885 - Val Verde County is officially established.
  • 1800s - Indigenous people, including Comanche and Lipan Apache tribes, inhabit the area.
  • 1880 - Southern Pacific Railroad extends through Val Verde County.
  • 1882 - City of Del Rio is founded as the county seat.
  • 1912 - Devil's River State Recreational Area is established.
  • 1942-1946 - Laughlin Army Air Field (now Laughlin Air Force Base) is constructed and operated during World War II.
  • 1952 - Amistad Dam is completed, creating Amistad Reservoir.
  • 1980 - Seminole Canyon State Historical Park and the nearby Fate Bell Shelter are dedicated.
  • 1998 - Val Verde Winery, Texas' oldest continuously operated winery, celebrates its 125th anniversary.