On October 18, Terrell-based American National Bank of Texas (ANBTX) marked a major milestone, celebrating 150 years with a “Terrell Homegrown Celebration.” Hosted at the ANBTX Terrell campus, the event featured live music, delicious food, a local market and family-friendly activities, honoring the bank’s long-standing connection to the community. Throughout 2025, ANBTX also celebrated its anniversary with Customer Appreciation Days at other locations, giving customers across the region a chance to join in the festivities.
ANBTX posted a brief history of the bank on its Facebook page:
When the Texas & Pacific Railway brought new opportunities to Terrell in the mid-1870s, pioneers saw a need to help the growing town thrive. To serve that purpose, Waters, Bivins & Corley Bank was founded in 1875. When a fire destroyed Terrell’s Star Block in 1882, the bank safeguarded every banking record inside their vault. Thanks to their quick action, it not only recovered but continued to stand proudly.
After operating under several names, the bank was renamed American National Bank in 1903. During the Great Depression, American National Bank acquired its competitor, The First National Bank of Terrell, uniting as the community’s only bank. Together, they proved that even in the toughest times, the strength of community keeps us standing tall.
In the 1930s, Walter P. Allen led with courage and vision—from protecting the bank, its employees and customers from Bonnie and Clyde to helping found the Royal British Cadets, which brought new business during World War II. His leadership helped ANBTX grow stronger through one of history’s toughest decades. Ben L. Gill Jr. led with integrity, compassion and faith throughout the 1940s and ’50s. During hard times, he created a plan to help local farmers keep their land and rebuild their lives. His belief in his community became one of ANBTX’s proudest traditions.
Under Riter C. Hulsey’s leadership in the 1960s, ANBTX became known for exceptional service and community growth. He helped launch the Terrell Industrial Foundation, attracting new business and fueling local prosperity. In the 1990s, Robert A. Hulsey embraced the digital era, leading the bank into modern technology and strategic expansion. In 1995, ANBTX adopted its current name, American National Bank of Texas.
In the 2000s, the bank expanded through several key acquisitions in North Texas. In 2009, ANBTX was named one of the “Top 100 Places to Work” by the Dallas Morning News. The bank has appeared on that list for 16 years since then.
