In 1889, the South Chattanooga Savings Banks was founded and T.R. Preston (later President of HNB) earned an entry level position there. The SCSB grew and in 1903, changed its name to Hamilton Trust and Savings Bank. Only two years later, in 1905, Preston created the Hamilton National Bank to serve the need for additional banking facilities in the city of Chattanooga. In 1920, Hamilton National Bank purchased the stock of Hamilton Trust and Savings Bank, and in 1929 Hamilton National Bank absorbed Hamilton Trust and Savings. Hamilton National bank continued to expand, maintaining 24 different branches by 1973. Despite its past success, economic declines during the 1970s led to the eventual collapse of the bank. It was declared insolvent after loans made by a partner institution collapsed (in reaction to the collapse of the real estate market in general). This resulted in the third-largest bank failure in U.S. History. Hamilton National Bank was purchased an absorbed by First Tennessee Bank in 1976. A History of Banking in Chattanooga. Hamilton National Bank, Chattanooga. 1949. Nicely, M. Chattanooga Walking Tour & Historic Guide. Stillhouse Hollow Press, Chattanooga. 2002.
From the description of Hamilton National Bank collection, 1889-1972. (University of Tennessee at Chattanooga). WorldCat record id: 773935211
