Our history & heritage
Heritage isn't just about history. It's about people and their stories. The stories that shape who we are, tell where we've been and show where we're going. At Bank of America, our history covers more than two centuries and includes people who helped to shape life as we know it in this country. The stories of our history and heritage connect us to some of the greatest achievements and advancements of all time, and we're proud to share them.
“ Bank of America has been helping connect people to what is most important to them for more than 200 years. What endures is our commitment to our customers, clients and communities, rooted in the knowledge that our success is intrinsically connected to theirs. ”
- Brian T. Moynihan, Chief Executive Officer, Bank of America
Featured stories
Our roots
Our roots, from 1784 to 1850, are set in stories of our earliest heritage members and their roles in the evolution of a young United States. Learn about the making of the national anthem, the survival of our capital through the War of 1812, the discovery of comets, building a foundation for economic growth and more.
Do you know?
What famous waterway—financed in part by Bank of America’s heritage bank The State Bank of Albany—made New York the financial capital of the world?
Answer: The Erie Canal
The rise of industry
Between 1850 and 1900, the American Industrial Revolution sparked enormous social, political and economic advancement throughout the country. Our heritage includes stories of people who played a significant part in these events, from the making of great cities to revitalization after the Civil War to the vision of enterprising young bankers and beyond.
Do you know?
What government-secured paper currency was created by the National Banking Acts of 1863 and 1864?
Answer: The Greenback
VIDEO: The making of Los Angeles into a metropolis
VIDEO: The making of Los Angeles into a metropolis Get the whole story.
The modern era
From 1900 to 1950, our country entered the modern era, a time when our heritage stories tell of rapid progress with political and economic advancements. From Hollywood filmmakers to bridge engineers to the London stage, our legacy of people in support of innovation is rich.
VIDEO: Building the most photographed bridge in the world
VIDEO: Building the most photographed bridge in the world Get the whole story.
Do you know?
What was the world’s first feature-length animated film, which was financed by Bank of America?
Answer: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Technology & innovations
In the half-century from 1950 to 2000, our heritage stories tell of people whose revelatory achievements led to technological advancement and international expansion. Learn about the advent of automated banking, the world's first electronic recording machine–accounting (ERMA) system, the development of magnetic-ink character recognition (MICR) and more.
VIDEO: Bank of America revolutionizes the banking industry
VIDEO: Bank of America revolutionizes the banking industry Get the whole story.
VIDEO: Introducing the modern credit card
VIDEO: Introducing the modern credit card Get the whole story.
Do you know?
What was the name of the first computer used in banking, created by Bank of America?
Answer: ERMA (Electronic Recording Method of Accounting)
Today
As of April 16, 2018, we operate in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and more than 35 countries. Our retail banking footprint covers approximately 80 percent of the U.S. population, and we serve approximately 47 million consumer and small business relationships with approximately 4,500 retail financial centers, approximately 16,000 ATMs, and leading online and mobile banking platforms with approximately 36 million active accounts and more than 25 million mobile active users.
We offer industry-leading support to approximately three million small business owners. Our wealth management businesses, with client balances of approximately $2.5 trillion, provide tailored solutions to meet client needs through a full set of investment management, brokerage, banking, trust and retirement products. We are a global leader in corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world.
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