THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK

The Bank of Monroe was the first state-chartered bank in Walton County, receiving its charter on December 30, 1890. Prior to its founding, Monroe had private money lenders but no formal banking services.

George C. Selman Sr., a seasoned merchant and Atlanta bank director, provided the banking expertise. Colonel B. S. Walker, a well-connected local attorney, rallied investors — including several Atlanta businessmen. At the organization meeting, the following were elected:

Officers: Geo. C. Selman, President · B. S. Walker, Vice-President · J. R. Radford, Cashier

The First Directors: W.H. Nunnally, Robert J. Lowry, George C. Selman, J. R. Radford, Coleman T. Mobley, Samuel H. Brodnax, B. S. Walker

The bank opened on April 2, 1891, in the Selman Building on East Spring Street, which at the time was a two-story building on the west end.

Over its history, the bank navigated economic panics and sweeping technological change without ever closing its doors or failing to meet depositor demands. Its founding principles — integrity, sound management, and conservative policy — remained the bedrock of its operations.

The bank moved into its own building within two months. Selman served as President until his death in 1899, succeeded by Walker until 1924, and then by Radford.

The Bank of Monroe moved to this location at 100 N. Broad Street in 1908.

The building was completely remodeled inside and out in 1939, complete with a white marble veneer added.

During the bank’s occupancy of this building, it expanded twice. The first expansion was east along Spring Street and took space from Jack’s Soda Bar. The second added a second entrance and incorporated what had been the Monroe Soda Grill.

In 1974, the National Bank of Walton County moved from this location to a new building on E. Washington Street.

The new offices of the National Bank of Walton County opened under the direction of the only female Bank Chief in the State of Georgia, Mrs. Mary Walker.

In 2008, the NBWC merged with Athens First Bank & Trust, operating under that name. Two years later, AFB&T, along with dozens of other regional banks, was consolidated into Synovus Bank, headquartered in Columbus, GA — one of the Southeast's largest financial holding companies. Synovus absorbed AFB&T as part of a major multi-bank consolidation on June 1, 2010. Today, 2026, Synovus is in the process of becoming part of Pinnacle Financial Partners.

The Monroe Museum has enjoyed a partnership with Synovus as one of our supporting partners.