THE UNITED AMERICAN
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Interwoven with the
Winning of the West
T HE FIRST NATIONAL BANK of
Portland, Oregon, was the first
national bank west of the Rocky
Mountains. It was founded in 1865.
This was before the days when Port
land had railroad communication with
the outside world and fifteen years be
fore Portland’s street railway system
had its beginning with a one-horse street
car.
Not many years before the establish
ment of the First National, beaver skins
and bacon sides were considered legal
tender in Oregon. By 1865, however,
much gold had been brought into Oregon
from California and money was plentiful.
Opportunities for development and ex
pansion existed on every hand. The
First National appreciated these oppor
tunities and was an active and influential
factor in the development of railroads,
shipping and the commerce of the young
and growing city.
By 1873 Portland was a busy town of
9,000 people. Then came the “Great
Fire of 1873” in which 22 blocks in the
business district were destroyed with
losses of over one million dollars. It was
not long, however, until the city was re
building with the help of all its organiza
tions and business institutions. In this
work the First National assisted freely.
In addition to being the oldest
national bank on the Pacific Coast, the
First National of P'ortland is also one of
the largest. This position has been
maintained through three generations.
The bank has grown and expanded with
the growth of this western country. It
is part and parcel of the Oregon country.
Its history is closely interwoven with the
winning of the west. It welcomes the
opportunity of serving YOU.
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK
OF PORTLAND, OREGON
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK WEST OF THE ROCKIES
ON FIFTH STREET AT STARK
Place Your Orders With The United American Advertisers—and Tell Them Why