Our History

City of Talladega, Ala. is incorporated

Talladega quickly began to grow. The Stagecoach started coming to town once a week; mail was being delivered regularly; a major road from Montgomery, Ala. was under construction; and the railroad was coming to town. One entrepreneur, Major James Isbell, decided that the bustling city was in need of a bank, so he opened a new business under the name of James Isbell, Banker. Isbell did not know it at the time, but he started what would become the oldest continuously operating bank in the state of Alabama.

Talladega citizens worked to continue the upward growth of the town and the first school for the visually impaired, now known as the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and the Blind, was opened.

Construction of the "Old Bank” was completed in 1869. The building was a beautiful terra cotta structure built just off the town square on North Street East, just a few yards from the bank's current location. Banking operations were conducted here from 1869 until 1963. The "Old Bank" is one of only five buildings east of the Mississippi River featuring terra cotta architecture that is still standing today.

Shortly after the move to the "Old Bank" in 1869, Major Isbell organized the City National Bank of Selma, Ala. He relocated to Selma and served as President of the bank until his death on December 6th, 1871. 

Upon the death of Major Isbell, his son, Captain Robert Isbell, became senior partner. The name of the bank was changed to Isbell & Company, Bankers. Around the same time, William Park Armstrong, son-in-law of James Isbell, joined the firm. Robert adhered to the same methods and rules employed by Major Isbell, and the bank continued its success with the same reputation, fidelity and skill for which it had become known.

The historical Silk Stocking District began to take shape as beautiful homes were built, primarily during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. There are 15 homes in the district that were built prior to 1870. Today, the Silk Stocking District is on the National Historical Register.

On January 11, Isbell & Company, Bankers applied for, and received, a National Bank Charter. The bank was given charter number 4838 and the name officially changed to The Isbell National Bank of Talladega.

Isbell National Bank celebrated 100 years of business in Talladega. The bustling city boasted a population of 16,000, and transportation was no longer a problem. Highways and railroads connected with once distant points. At this time, the rich soil and natural resources around the city of Talladega began to draw farmers and factories to town. Isbell National Bank of Talladega continued to enjoy the same success. Throughout the bank’s 100 year history, it is “the golden thread of faith and service which makes The Isbell National Bank a landmark of integrity and endurance.”

After nearly 100 years in the “Old Bank” building, Isbell National Bank moved into a new location on North Street East, just a few doors down from the old Isbell Bank building.

Isbell National Bank modernized the operation and a drive-thru motor bank was built on the hill behind the bank building.

The First National Bank of Talladega Board of Directors vote to make the bank a state-chartered bank. The board also votes to adopt the new name First Bank of Alabama

On October 1, 2017, FirstBanc of Alabama Inc., the parent company of First Bank of Alabama acquired Swann Bancshares, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Bank of Wedowee. The Bank of Wedowee was founded on February 6, 1906, by Dr. J.C. Swann, with $25,000 in capital stock. Dr. Swann was elected as its first president. Since Bank of Wedowee's founding, the bank had eight presidents. John W. Carlisle was elected to succeed Swann, and he served until 1954. He was followed by W.E. Matthews, who served until 1958. John G. Swann (son of the bank's founder) served until 1969, followed by Sam W. Carpenter. Mr. Carpenter served until 2000. He was followed by Robert B. Folsom, Jr., who served until 2004. Roger E. Campbell served until 2013. The Board of Directors then elected Mitchell G. (Mitch) Key in 2013 as President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board where he served until the acquisition in 2017. This acquisition expanded First Bank of Alabama's presence into eastern Alabama with the addition of three full service branches in Randolph County to include the cities of Wedowee, Roanoke and Woodland.  

After 170 years of continued success, on March 1, 2018, First Bank of Alabama opened their seventh office in Ashland, Alabama with a full-service branch to serve the community.  

On December 3, 2019,  First Bank of Alabama opened their eighth full service office in Oxford, Alabama.

Talladega, AL – October 28, 2020 – FirstBanc of Alabama, Inc. of Talladega, AL, parent company of First Bank of Alabama, and SouthFirst Bancshares, Inc. of Sylacauga, AL, parent company of SouthFirst Bank, announced today the signing of a definitive agreement whereby FirstBanc will acquire 100% of the stock of SouthFirst Bank. FirstBanc will pay all-cash consideration to SouthFirst Bancshares, Inc. as the sole shareholder of SouthFirst Bank; other financial terms were not disclosed. SouthFirst Bank will be merged with and into First Bank of Alabama as part of the transaction.

The transaction has been unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of both institutions but remains subject to customary conditions, including the approval of SouthFirst Bancshares, Inc.’s shareholders and the receipt of required regulatory approvals. The transaction is expected to close no later than the second quarter of 2021

First Bank of Alabama expanded their footprint in Calhoun County with the grand opening of its Anniston location. This marked their 13th branch location in east-central Alabama.