Press release
Washington Trust marks 225 years as a trusted banking partner for RI's families and businesses
Established in Westerly in 1800, Washington Trust is the oldest community bank in the nation WESTERLY, R.I., Aug. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Washington
About this update from Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"Established in Westerly in 1800, Washington Trust is the oldest community bank in the nation\nWESTERLY, R.I., Aug. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Washington Trust Company, the oldest community bank in the nation, proudly marks 225 years of commitment to the businesses and families of Rhode Island and New England. Since opening its doors on August 22, 1800, Washington Trust has grown to become one of New England's premier banking, mortgage and wealth management institutions, and a dedicated partner committed to bettering the region.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \nWashington Trust was founded by a group of entrepreneurs in Westerly, Rhode Island who recognized the need for a local financial institution to serve the region's farming and fishing communities. At the time about 68,000 people were living in Rhode Island and the state's population was quickly growing. Rhode Island's longest seated governor, Arthur Fenner, was ten years into his term, and John Adams was serving as the nation's second president. Washington Trust took its name in honor of George Washington, and the bank quickly became a trusted resource for generations of families and businesses.\nA Legacy of Firsts and Longevity\nWashington Trust was the fourth bank to open in Rhode Island and is now the oldest one in the state still operating independently, surviving the panics of the 1800s when many banks failed. Today Washington Trust employs more than 650 employees across Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.\nThe bank's history is deeply intertwined with America's own journey. It was the first bank in the country to print a likeness of George Washington on currency, and its vault from the original \"Little Greek Temple\" building remains in use today—so integral to the bank's identity that its current headquarters was built around it in 1925.\nTimeline of Notable Milestones1800 – Washington National Bank is chartered in Westerly, RI1801 – First dividend is earned and paid1839 – Capital reaches $150,0001854 – First savings department is opened1904 – Restructured as a state-chartered bank with trust powers1914 – First branch office opens in Hope Valley, RI1925 – Main office at 23 Broad Street is completed1931 – Loan department established1960 – First drive-up teller window installed1976 – Online teller system connects branches1982 – Deposits insured by FDIC1984 – $WAS...