Celebrating America’s 250th anniversary
As the United States of America approaches its 250th anniversary, Bank of America is proud to celebrate. We also reflect on the role our company has played in helping customers, clients, markets and communities through key moments in American history. As America developed, we have had the privilege to help it grow.
"As our country has grown and prospered, we've focused on serving the people and communities behind that progress by asking a simple question: What would you like the power to do? From the nation's founders to today's families, leaders, businesses and communities — the answers to that question have helped shaped America's prosperity, security, innovation and freedom."
— CEO Brian Moynihan
Reflecting on America’s history at 250
Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library partnership
Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery sponsorship
Explore some of the moments that reflect how our company’s proud efforts in service to people and communities have played a role supporting American growth and opportunity throughout history.
1750-1800
The Massachusetts Bank
Founded in 1784, The Massachusetts Bank — our earliest legacy institution and the nation’s second privately owned chartered commercial bank — expanded access to global trade and helped build the early U.S. financial system. Our financing of trade and shipping in the 1790s strengthened commerce and supported early national growth.
1800-1850
Bank of Metropolis
Bank of Metropolis helped finance the reconstruction of Washington, D.C., during and after the War of 1812, contributing to national recovery and earning formal federal recognition for essential wartime service.
The State Bank of Albany
The State Bank of Albany helped finance the Erie Canal, while other legacy institutions funded early railroad development in New York, connecting Midwest communities with East Coast markets and fueling national economic expansion.
Albany Institute of History & Art
Boatmen’s Savings Bank
Boatmen’s Savings Bank was founded in St. Louis, supporting emerging frontier communities and strengthening economic opportunity by serving steamboat workers and other laborers during America’s westward expansion.
1850-1900
U.S. Trust Company of New York
U.S. Trust Company of New York became the first trust company in the U.S., creating a new category of financial services for affluent clients while supporting economic growth in major markets.
Merchants Savings Loan and Trust (Chicago)
Merchants Savings Loan and Trust helped stabilize currency practices in Illinois and supported Chicago’s rapid rise as a national rail hub.
U.S. Trust helping establish a national currency
U.S. Trust played a key role in helping lead adoption of the unified U.S. currency under the National Currency Act of 1863, strengthening trust in the financial system.
Chicago fire response
Following the Great Chicago Fire, legacy Merchant Savings, Loan and Trust Company and other local institutions that would later become Continental Illinois helped stabilize the city’s financial district and supported economic recovery.
Commercial National Bank of Charlotte
Commercial National Bank supported the region’s textile industry and helped build the early foundation for the financial institution that would become today’s Bank of America.
Citizens & Southern Bank
Citizens & Southern helped drive economic growth across the Southeast by supporting Savannah’s expanding port economy and regional commerce.
Support during the Panic of 1893
In the aftermath of the Panic of 1893, President Grover Cleveland commended U.S. Trust’s role in stabilizing markets and restoring national confidence.
1900-1950
Bank of Italy
Founded by A.P. Giannini to expand access to banking for all, Bank of Italy pioneered modern consumer banking.
San Francisco earthquake response
After the San Francisco earthquake, Bank of Italy immediately began lending to help rebuild the city, becoming one of the first banks to reopen and restore financial stability.
Opportunity for women
Women began to take on pioneering roles at FleetBoston and Merrill Lynch’s Annie Grimes became Wall Street’s first bond saleswoman, marking a significant expansion of opportunity for women in financial services.
Merrill Lynch
Charles E. Merrill & Co. was founded in New York City, helping more Americans participate in the growing world of investing.
First National Bank of Boston in Argentina
Expansion into Argentina supported the wool trade, fueling American industrial growth and deepening international commercial ties.
Employee sports teams
Employee athletic clubs, including golf and team sports at FleetBoston and Continental Illinois, respectively, fostered community and engagement across offices.
Hollywood financing
Bank of Italy financed the film industry from its beginnings, as this new sector drove innovation in both storytelling and technology.
Women’s banking department
Bank of Italy created one of the nation’s first women-run banking departments, expanding professional and financial opportunities for women.
Bank of America renaming
Bank of Italy formally became Bank of America, reinforcing our focus on serving individuals, families and businesses across the nation.
London office opens
Following international expansion momentum that began after World War I, Bank of America extended our global reach by opening our first London office, strengthening international trade and the U.S.’s growing role as a global financial leader.
Golden Gate Bridge financing
Bank of America financed the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge, transforming regional mobility, trade and economic development.
Combatting the Great Depression
Throughout the 1930s, we supported businesses and households with credit and transaction services, helping stabilize the economy during the financial crisis.
FDR thanks Bank of America
President Franklin D. Roosevelt expressed appreciation for Bank of America’s support during the Great Depression, recognizing our role in keeping credit flowing and communities working.
Fueling expansion of the film industry
Building on the support our legacy institutions provided to Hollywood’s early film industry, Bank of America helped finance landmark productions like Walt Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the first full-length animated feature film.
World War II support
During World War II, Bank of America supported wartime financing and recovery efforts, helping sustain economic stability through the conflict.
Post-war Southern economy
Citizens & Southern invested heavily in the South’s post-war economy, financing expanding industries, suburban growth and critical infrastructure.
Japan office opens
Bank of America opened Japan’s first post-war U.S. bank office, helping local industries rebuild and reconnect to global markets.
Operations begin in Brazil
Bank of America expanded into Brazil, strengthening trade and supporting growing economic partnerships across the Americas.
1950-2000
Mexico office opens
Bank of America opened an office in Mexico, supporting national economic development and cross-border trade.
Entry into India
Bank of America established operations in India, helping advance the country’s economic development and modernization efforts.
Expansion into France
Bank of America opened operations in France to support Europe’s ongoing post-war reconstruction.
Financing Disneyland
Bank of America financed the construction of Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., which opens with a fully functioning Bank of America financial center on Main Street.
ERMA innovation
Bank of America developed ERMA (Electronic Recording Machine, Accounting), a pioneering computing system that transformed check processing and signaled the vast potential of modern digital banking.
BankAmericard introduced
Bank of America introduced BankAmericard, the first modern credit card with revolving credit, transforming how consumers managed credit globally and laying the groundwork for broader access to modern financial services.
Hong Kong office opens
Bank of America opened a Hong Kong office, expanding our presence in Asia and supporting regional trade and growth.
Secure travel transactions
Bank of America introduced secure financial transaction services for travelers, enhancing convenience and building trust for global commerce.
First ATM introduced
Bank of America launched its first ATM, transforming how customers accessed their money and pioneering modern self-service banking.
Middle East headquarters established
Merrill Lynch established a Middle East headquarters in the newly formed United Arab Emirates, supporting financial development across the region.
HomeBanking launched
Bank of America launched HomeBanking, pioneering early digital banking and laying the groundwork for today’s online financial platforms.
NCNB acquires First Republic Bank
NCNB’s acquisition of First Republic Bank of Dallas expanded the Charlotte-based company’s national presence and influence.
Bank of America debuts online
Bank of America’s launch on the World Wide Web marked the beginning of modern online banking.
NationsBank & BankAmerica merger
The merger of Charlotte-based NationsBank and San Francisco’s BankAmerica created the first coast-to- coast U.S. bank.
2000 - PRESENT
Mobile banking launch
Bank of America launched our mobile banking app, transforming everyday financial access and convenience.
Erica launch
Bank of America debuts Erica®, the first widely adopted AI-driven virtual assistant, deepening relationships with clients and driving greater efficiencies.