On October 14, 1909, a group of local business and professional people determined that a banking institution was needed in Eastman.  The bank was called the First National Bank of Eastman and was located at the corner of Third and Railroad Avenues.  On December 27, 1917, the bank became a state charted bank and changed its name to the Bank of Eastman. A new bank building was constructed in 1967 at 130 Oak Street in Eastman, Georgia.

The Bank of Eastman opened its first Branch on December 23, 1997 in Gray, Georgia under the trade name Magnolia State Bank. A second branch was opened May 22, 2000 in Milledgeville, Georgia.  Due to strong growth in the Milledgeville market, a branch was opened in the downtown historic district on November 10, 2003. 

Since its inception the bank’s primary mission has been to serve the banking needs of the people in the county and surrounding communities where the Bank of Eastman and Magnolia State Bank are located, and this continues to be the primary driving force behind the banks today.  Through the years the Banks have built a reputation of soundness, quality leadership and superior service that have served them well.  This has enabled the Bank of Eastman and Magnolia State Bank to acquire a major share of the local banking markets.

Bank of Eastman and Magnolia State Bank have grown and prospered through the years since the bank’s inception on October 14, 1909. The Bank of Eastman and Magnolia State Bank have four banking facilities, serving Eastman, Gray, Milledgeville and the surrounding communities.  The banks have combined assets of over 250 million.

The Banks have operated as independent community banks under local management since 1909.  The Board of Directors of Bank of Eastman and Magnolia State Bank remain convinced that this direction can continue to offer high returns for the company, a superior level of service to our customers, and more rewarding careers for our employees.