Hills Bank History
On February 15, 1904, the Hills Savings Bank was founded by 19 local citizens with $10,000 among them. Subscriptions for stock in the bank were purchased, with each share valued at $100.
Approximately 25 years after the bank’s doors opened, the Great Depression struck, causing 600 banks in Iowa to fail. Among those to close were all five banks in Iowa City. This was a defining time and turning point for the small Hills Savings Bank in Hills, whose doors remained open throughout the Great Depression.
After over a century of building relationships, we have grown from 19 founding citizens to over 500 co-workers at locations in four eastern Iowa counties. Total bank assets exceed $4 billion, and Trust and Wealth Management division assets exceed $2.3 billion. While headquartered in a town of fewer than 800, Hills Bank is one of the largest banks in Iowa with over 120,000 customers.
Hills Bank has a rich history of determination, innovation, and service. To share this lasting legacy with our co-workers, customers, and friends, several of our locations have rooms or displays which tell the Hills Bank story and the stories of the communities and people we serve.
We invite you to come visit our History and Heritage Room in Hills and the many other displays throughout our locations. Follow our journey through the past century and imagine with us what the next century will hold.