Historical Marker

Mills County State Bank

Historical marker location:
1017 Parker Street, Goldthwaite, Texas
( on corner of Parker and Fourth Streets)
Marker installed: 2011
Marker size: 27" x 42"

MILLS COUNTY EXPERIENCED MUCH GROWTH FROM 1887 TO 1917 AFTER THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE GULF, COLORADO, AND SANTA FE RAILWAY IN THE REGION. AS GOLDTHWAITE BECAME THE COUNTY SEAT AND CENTER, LOCALS SAW THE NEED FOR A BANK. ON JUNE 4, 1888, D.H. TRENT OPENED A PRIVATE BANK ON THE EAST CORNER OF FISHER AT 4TH STREETS WITH DEPOSITS OF $4,168.61 AND STOCK ACCOUNT OF $11,449.50. FOUR YEARS LATER, FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF GOLDTHWAITE WAS ORGANIZED WITH W.E. MILLER AS PRESIDENT. THE STOCKHOLDERS OF THE BANK VOTED TO LIQUIDATE IN 1901, AND THE BUILDING ALONG WITH THE FURNITURE WAS SOLD TO TRENT. IN 1908, CHARTER NO. 369 WAS GRANTED AT THE FIRST MEETING OF THE STOCKHOLDERS OF TRENT STATE BANK UNDER WHICH THE BANK OPERATES TODAY. TRENT STATE BANK WAS LOCATED ON THE WEST CORNER OF THE SAME INTERSECTION OF FISHER AT 4TH STREETS. DIRECTORS VOTED ON JANUARY 29, 1952 TO CHANGE THE NAME TO MILLS COUNTY STATE BANK. IN 1960, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MADE PLANS FOR THE BUILDING OF MODERN BANKING QUARTERS. THE NEW FACILITIES, WHICH INCLUDED A DRIVE THRU LANE, WERE CONSTRUCTED AT 1017 PARKER STREET.

ON OCTOBER 10, 2008, STAFF, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, STOCKHOLDERS, MANY BANKING DIGNITARIES, FRIENDS AND CUSTOMERS OF THE BANK ATTENDED A CELEBRATION AT MILLS COUNTY STATE BANK THAT MARKED 120 YEARS IN BANKING AND 100 YEARS AS A STATE CHARTERED BANK. OVER THE YEARS, THE BANK HAS EXPANDED, MODERNIZED, AND OPENED OTHER OFFICES IN BROWNWOOD, EARLY, AND HAMILTON. IT IS COMMENDED FOR ITS PERSEVERANCE THROUGH DIFFICULT TIMES AND IS CONSIDERED A LOYAL ADVOCATE OF THE COMMUNITIES IT SERVES

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.

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The Alamo, a mission in San Antonio, is perhaps the most famous historical site in Texas. It was the site of a key battle during the Texas Revolution in 1836.
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Mills County, located in central Texas, has a rich history dating back to the prehistoric era. Archeological evidence suggests that Native American tribes inhabited the region as early as 10,000 BCE. The Tonkawa and Lipan Apache tribes were among the original indigenous groups to settle in the area. However, with the arrival of European settlers in the 19th century, their way of life was dramatically altered.

In 1854, Mills County was officially established by the Texas legislature and named after John T. Mills, a lawyer and soldier who fought in the Texas Revolution. The county's development was primarily driven by agriculture, with cotton becoming the dominant crop. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further boosted the local economy, enabling the transportation of goods and facilitating trade.

With its rich soil and favorable climate, Mills County prospered throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, like many rural areas during this time, it faced challenges such as droughts, economic downturns, and the Great Depression. These hardships impacted the county's agricultural sector and led to a decline in population.

Despite these challenges, Mills County has maintained its unique character and close-knit community throughout the years. Today, it is known for its beautiful landscapes, historic sites, and outdoor recreational opportunities. The county continues to be influenced by its agricultural heritage while embracing the modern era, making it an interesting and dynamic place to live and visit.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Mills County, Texas.

  • 1837 - Mills County is established and named after Texas Governor Branch Tanner Archer.
  • 1849 - Gold is discovered in the county, leading to a short-lived gold rush.
  • 1854 - Mills County becomes a part of the newly formed Brown County.
  • 1876 - Mills County is reestablished as an independent county.
  • 1880 - The county seat is established in Goldthwaite.
  • 1920s - The oil industry has a significant impact on the local economy.
  • 1947 - Mills County celebrates its centennial.
  • 1965 - A severe flood causes significant damage to the county.
  • 1990s - The county experiences economic growth due to an increase in tourism.
  • 2018 - Mills County celebrates its 181st anniversary.