Brenham, Washington County
James S. Giddings (1849-1940) was the principal organizer of this financial institution, which was established as the result of the creation of a state banking system in 1905. The official date set by the Legislature for filing bank charters was August 13, 1905. Since that date fell on a Sunday, the first charters were filed in Austin on August 14th. Washington County State Bank was the fifth in line that day to receive a charter. Since the first four state-chartered banks have been dissolved, Washington County State Bank is the oldest state bank in operation in Texas. The bank's first officers included H. K. Harrison as president, James Giddings as cashier, and Alex Simon, Sr., and A. D. Milroy as vice-presidents. Harrison served as president until his death in 1914. Washington County State Bank has grown and continues to serve Brenham and the surrounding area. Housed at 115 East Main Street for the first 73 years of its existence. The bank moved to this site in 1978. It retains historical significance as an early participant in the state-chartered banking system. (1985)