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american bank's history

American Bank is a locally-owned and operated Montana bank with branches in Bozeman, Livingston, Whitefish, Big Timber and Big Sky. We're proud to have served Montanans for more than 70 years. 
timeline

Bank postcard with the logo A Progressive Independent Bank.

1947

bank established

Claude R. Erickson founded Livingston State Bank in June of 1947. Claude was known for his firm handshake and his favorite saying, "Shake the hand of the honest man." 

1964

holding company formed 

The bank holding company, Guaranty Development Company, was formed in November of 1964.
An envelope from Livingston State Bank dated July 20, 1961.
Old photo of First Security Bank in Montana

1966

name changed

In January of 1966, Livingston State Bank changed its name to First Security Bank of Livingston.

1978

purchase of Big timber branch 

The bank acquired First State Bank of Big Timber in August of 1978. We changed its  name to First Security Bank of Big Timber the following February, 

Also at this time, Claude hired on his son Bruce A. Erickson. 

1983

purchase of billings branch 

We acquired Western State Bank of Billings in February of 1983, and renamed the branch American Bank of Billings that November. The other two branch names remained the same. 

1992

purchase of first bozeman branch 

In November of 1992, we purchased Interwest Bank of Montana, allowing us to open our West Main Bozeman branch.

American Bank name Established bank-wide

Also in 1992, we officially renamed all of our branches American Bank.

1995

WHITEFISH BRANCH OPENED

We opened up our first Whitefish location in September of 1995.

1997

BILLINGS BRANCH SOLD

We sold our Billings branch in December of 1997. 

1999

Big Sky Branch Opened

We opened our Big Sky branch in January of 1999. 

2000

Second Bozeman Branch Opened

We opened our East Main branch in Bozeman in November of 2000.

2003

New Whitefish Branch Opened

For a short period of time, we had two branches in Whitefish, and by July of 2003, we transitioned into the larger branch on Baker Street. 
Street view of American Bank in Whitefish, Montana, with red brick exterior walls
Outside view of American Bank in Big Sky, Montana with snow covered roof.

2020

New Big sky Branch Opened

We moved to a new space in the Meadow Village Center.

2023

Kalispell LPO OPened

After decades in the Flathead Valley, we finally have a location in Kalispell: a dedicated loan production office in the valley’s heart.
Historic street view of downtown Kalispell with cars lining the street.
Today

American Bank is still owned by the Ericksons, the same family who opened Livingston State Bank in 1947. Claude’s grandchildren, Tyler and Taylor, are both on the board of directors, and Tyler works in the bank today. We remain dedicated to caring for our customers, employees and communities. 
American Bank ©