Our History

La Salle State Bank’s start was humble. With modest quarters, established inside a small two-story structure on the site of our present location, the bank began under the direction of its first officers: John Stuart, president; Vincent Duncan, vice president; Nicholas W. Duncan, cashier and John Edwards Tracy, father of famed movie actor Spencer Tracy, as assistant cashier. On the morning of August 23, 1894 these officers opened the door to welcome Timothy Lucey, a well-known dry goods merchant, as their first patron. Other customers came during the day and when they totaled up their books in the evening they found that their deposits had reached the sum of $1,348.72.

Today, the La Salle State Bank has grown to more than $130 million in total assets and operates out of three convenient locations in La Salle, Peru, and Utica. We are a full service banking institution and we have consistently received a 5 Star Rating from Bauer Financial, recognizing us as one of the strongest financial institutions in the country. We offer state-of-the-art technology through both our website and our mobile banking app…a long way from the early days of the La Salle State Bank in 1894 before the days of the vehicle, computer and even concrete roads.

Stop in and see us today to learn how more than 120 years of personal community service can be put to work for you! La Salle State Bank. The Big, Strong, Friendly Bank!