• by Barbie Romero , October 29, 2024

They were also the first-ever bank robbed by notorious outlaw Butch Cassidy. They have a history of helping veterans, underserved businesses, and collected donations for relief efforts.

• 1864: First National Bank of Minneapolis was founded, paving the way for U.S. Bank headquarters that are still located there today. 

• 1889: A branch of their predecessor San Miguel Valley Bank in Telluride, Colorado, became infamous when it was the first-ever bank robbed by notorious outlaw Butch Cassidy. As one of the oldest banks in the country they’ve had run-ins with a few unscrupulous figures, including Baby Face Nelson and John Dillinger. 

• 1891: Their namesake United States National Bank of Portland opened its doors in Oregon. Timing would turn out to be favorable, as two decades later, a federal law prohibited other banks from using United States in their names from that time forward. 

• 1929: Their predecessor Mississippi Valley Trust Company loaned $15,000 to help Charles Lindbergh finance his historic transatlantic flight. 

• 1931: The sign atop the First National Bank Building was placed and became an icon in the skyline of St. Paul, Minnesota. 

• 1970s: U.S. Bank began adding automated teller machines, or ATMs, to their branches across the country. In recent years, U.S. Bank rolled out interactive teller machines, or ITMs, that have features like cashing checks and paying bills. U.S. Bank also mobilized its ATMs to collect donations for relief efforts during natural disasters such as wildfires or hurricanes.

• 2013: To give back to those who have served the United States, they launched a program to donate mortgage-free homes to veterans in need. To date, they’ve donated dozens of homes with a combined value of more than $4 million and have expanded the program to include home repair and vehicle donations.

• 2020: At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, they instituted a premium pay program for front-line employees; expediting community giving programs; and other changes. They also helped obtain Paycheck Protection Program loans for more than 108,000 small businesses – with nearly 85% going to businesses that reported having 10 or fewer employees. Also in 2020, U.S. Bank began more intentional about closing the wealth gap and allocated $100 million in annual capital and $16 million in grants to Black-owned or -led businesses, housing, and workforce advancement, and committed to doubling Black suppliers.

If you’re interested in submitting content for future editions, please reach out to our Managing Editor, Barbie Romero at Barbie@MediaPost.com.