History & Community

We've served our community for over a century.

The First National Bank of Manhattan opened in 1907, operating out of a single building on State Street. Our assets totaled a modest $40,000. In the decades since then, we've grown bigger - and better.

Years ago, we added drive-up lanes and ATMs. We opened new locations, branching out into New Lenox. We've invested in technology that allows customers to conveniently bank by phone, on computers or with mobile devices.

Our assets now exceed $220 million. Even our name has changed, to the First Bank of Manhattan & New Lenox. But in the most important ways, we've remained true to our roots.

We've always maintained a community focus, striving to provide the highest level of financial services for businesses and residents of Manhattan, Elwood, New Lenox and nearby towns.

We've always looked out for the greater good, seeking to foster growth and prosperity and raise the quality of life for everyone living in our region.
We owe a great debt of gratitude to the community for supporting the bank for well over a century. We are also indebted to the generations of shareholders, staff members and managers who have guided the bank through challenging economic times.

It is our hope that we continue the legacy that has carried us for our first 100-plus years. As we move through our second century, it is our belief that the best is yet to come.
1907
First National Bank of Manhattan opens doors with $40,000 in capital.

1961
Bank remodels and expands, one drive-up lane added later.

1979
Bank remodels and expands, three drive-up lanes added

1991
Our first ATM installed.

1994
Market Place branch opens in Manhattan.

2002
Bank-by-Phone introduced.

2003
Online Banking introduced.

2005
Bank converts from a national charter to a state charter. Name changes to First Bank of Manhattan.

2006
In August 2006, we completed and opened our new landmark financial center at 550 West North Street in Manhattan. Three months later we opened our first branch outside of Manhattan, at 836 Laraway Road in New Lenox.

2007
Bank celebrates its 100th year!

2010
E-Statements become available.

2011
Our website gets a facelift.

2013
Mobile Banking app introduced.

2014
New Lenox location renamed “FIRST BANK OF NEW LENOX, a branch of First Bank of Manhattan."

2016
Super Saver Sammy introduced.

2017
State Street location remodeled, and bank celebrates its 110th year!

2019
First Bank of Manhattan is voted Will County's "Best Bank" and "Best Financial Service Company to Work for."

We also launched our new mobile banking app.

2020
In 2020 the world experienced a global pandemic, COVID-19. During the crisis, in our steadfast commitment to our community, we originated over $18,000,000 in Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Loans. This helped over 300 small businesses navigate the very difficult COVID-19 shutdowns.

We're named "Best Bank" in Will County for the 2nd year in a row!

2021
New website launched!
First Bank of Manhattan & New Lenox are full-service banks with branches in Will County, Illinois.