First National Bank Building
The First National Bank, originally known as “Shepherd’s Bank,” was chartered in 1866. In 1867, Benjamin A. Shepherd became president of the bank and managed it successfully for over 2 decades. After his death, his son-in-law took over, and continued that successful streak through turbulent times such as the Panic of 1907.
In 1905, the original 2-story structure was replaced with an 8-story, steel-frame building, the first of its kind in Houston. This version of the First National Bank building is still standing today.