The banking history of Green Forest begins in the year 1901. In that year the Bank of Green Forest was established with W. L. Sneed serving as president of the institution.
Growing rapidly the Bank of Green Forest increased its capital to $20, 000.00 from the initial $12, 000.00. Within the first five years, a fine new bank had been built on the south side of the Green Forest square. A little success brings on competition and in 1906 the Farmers and Merchants Bank opened with capital stock of $25, 000.00. In August of 1907, the Bank of Green Forest and the Farmers & Merchants Bank consolidated under the name of the Bank of Green Forest. In the meantime a movement to start a National Bank in Green Forest was begun by F.O. Butt of Eureka Springs. A lot was purchased on the northwest corner of the square for the purpose of erecting a building suitable to house this new institution. By July, 1913 the Treasury Department authorized the First National Bank of Green Forest to commence the business of banking. In September 1913 with M.V. Lightburn as President and F.O. Butt as Vice President, the First National Bank of Green Forest opened its doors. All was well until 1930.