Our Story

May 21, 1891 – The Beginning

The Commonwealth of Virginia issued a charter to a brand-new bank: The Bank of Blacksburg. Business officially began from one room in the Green Hotel on Main Street.

• First President: Alexander Black
• First (and only!) employee: W.E. Hubbert
• Salary: $500 per year 

The Colonial Hotel (later demolished), previously named the Green Hotel - housed Bank of Blacksburg in 1891.

May 21, 1892 – Early Success

• Just one year in, the bank was already making strides:
• Assets: $21,011.72
• Profit: $902.27
• Dividend declared: 12% 

1898 – A New “Office”

Growth called for a move. The bank relocated a few doors down Main Street to the Conway House (more information below), operating out of a converted storeroom.Also in 1898, the first telephone was installed — a big step forward. 

Conway House - Through the Years…

Dr. W.B. Conway arrived in Blacksburg at the close of reconstruction - around 1870 and opened up a medical practice and pharmacy in the home. Later this would become the second home of Bank of Blacksburg. Documentation states that Dr. Conway mentioned the alleyway between two houses - which still exists today (as seen in both pictures below). This alleyway currently connects Main Street to the Blacksburg Farmers Market. The original Conway House burned down in the 1990s, and in its place, the new reconstructed building was built. Note - the triangular window on the new building echoes the triangular gable that existed on the original Conway House. 

Old Conway House - 1976

Former Conway House location - 2000s

 Early Innovations

• 1904: Purchased our first adding machine
• 1906: Installed a burglar alarm system and vault (Safety and security and have always mattered here.)

The 1920s – A Major Milestone

• 1921: Moved into a brand-new building at the northwest corner of Main & Roanoke Streets
• 1922: Re-chartered as a national bank. Assets had grown to $485,000

From Then to Now
What started in a hotel room has grown alongside the communities we serve thanks to generations of employees who made integrity, service, and relationships the foundation of our success.

As the decades rolled on, National Bank of Blacksburg entered a period of growth, expansion, and exciting milestones—proving that big things really do grow from humble beginnings.

1942 – A Place to Call Our Own
The National Bank of Blacksburg built its first dedicated office, and seven employees proudly moved into the new building at the northeast corner of Main and Roanoke Streets. A major step forward—and just the beginning of many more moves to come!

1963 – A New Home & Big Growth
The bank moved to the present Main Office, once again making history on another corner of Main and Roanoke Streets. By this time, assets had grown to an impressive $8,032,171, reflecting decades of steady progress and trusted relationships.

1968 – Branching Out
Our first branch office opened at North Main and Progress Streets in Blacksburg, marking the start of expanded service beyond the main office.

First National Bank of Blacksburg office

1974 – More Growth
Construction was completed on the Hethwood Office, bringing banking services even closer to the communities we serve.

1984 – Creative Expansion
In true community-bank style, a former Exxon station was transformed into what became the South Main Office. Proof that innovation doesn’t always come in shiny new packaging!

1986 – A New Structure
The bank formed a one-bank holding company: National Bankshares, Inc., strengthening the organizational framework to support future growth.

The Market Place Office in Christiansburg opened its doors, further extending our footprint and reinforcing our commitment to serving the region.

More Communities. More Services. More Momentum. By the mid-1990s, National Bank of Blacksburg was on the move—expanding into new communities, welcoming new partners, and building the foundation for the organization we know today.

1994 - Growing in Giles County
A second office was added in Giles County with the conversion of a former First Union office in Pembroke, strengthening our presence and commitment to the region.

Pembroke Office

1996 – Welcome to Bank of Tazewell County
A major milestone: The Bank of Tazewell County (BTC) joined National Bankshares, Inc. BTC operated offices in Tazewell, Richlands, and Bluefield, Virginia, marking an important step in expanding our reach across Southwest Virginia.

1997 – Opening in Rich Creek
The Rich Creek Office opened its doors, continuing the momentum of thoughtful regional growth.

Rich Creek Office

1998 – Hello, Galax
With the acquisition of a former First American office, the bank entered a new market area in the City of Galax, bringing National Bank’s community-focused banking to yet another area.

Galax Office

1999 – Double Digits & A New Hub
The bank proudly opened its 10th location at the corner of Hubbard Street and South Main in Blacksburg. This location became much more than a branch—it also houses:

• The Trust/Wealth Management Departments
• Human Resources
• Administrative & Executive Offices
• Headquarters for National Bankshares, Inc.

Hubbard Street Offices

2000 – Expanding Across the New River Valley

• A milestone year for growth! New offices opened in Radford, Pulaski, and Dublin, expanding service throughout the New River Valley
• BTC added offices in Abingdon, Marion, and Wytheville

Radford Office

2000 – Beyond Traditional Banking
Two new affiliates were established:

• National Bankshares Insurance Services (which does business as NBB Insurance Services)
• National Bankshares Investment Services (which does business as NBB Wealth Management)

These additions broadened the services available to our customers and strengthened long-term relationships.

2003 – Downtown Christiansburg
A new office opened in downtown Christiansburg, reinforcing our commitment to meeting customers where they live, work, and do business.

Christiansburg Office

This era reflects a bank confidently growing - adding locations, services, and expertise - while staying true to its community-bank roots. 

Scaling Impact While Staying True to Our Roots. As we moved into the 2000s and beyond, National Bank entered a new chapter marked by growth in scale, expanded services, and an ever‑widening commitment to the communities we serve.

2004 – Location #15
The National Bank of Blacksburg added its 15th location with the acquisition of the Memorial Drive Office in Pulaski, Virginia—another important step in strengthening our regional presence.

Memorial Drive Office, Pulaski

2006 – One Bank, One Name
In a defining moment, The National Bank of Blacksburg and the Bank of Tazewell County combined operations to form National Bank. Together, we united under one name with 25 banking locations across Southwest Virginia, bringing teams, customers, and communities together.

2011- A Billion-Dollar Milestone
From initial assets totaling $21,011.00 in 1891, in 2011 the Bank celebrated a major achievement: bank assets surpassed $1 billion. This milestone reflected nearly 120 years of steady growth, trusted relationships, and the dedication of our employees across all locations.

2016 – Expanding Business Banking
The Roanoke Loan Production Office opened, supporting commercial growth and deepening relationships with businesses throughout the Roanoke Valley.

2022 – Welcome to Charlottesville
The opening of the Charlottesville Loan Production Office extended our reach even further, serving another vibrant and growing region of Virginia.

2024 – Growing Through Partnership
National Bank acquired Frontier Community Bank, welcoming three new offices in Waynesboro, Staunton, and Lynchburg into the National Bank family and further expanding our footprint.

Waynesboro Office

2025 – Hello, Roanoke
Last year National Bank proudly opened its Roanoke, Virginia branch office, continuing our tradition of thoughtful growth and community connection.

Roanoke Office

This latest era reflects a bank that continues to evolve while staying grounded in the values that have guided us for 135 years.

Thank you to the customers and communities who made these moments possible. The story continues, and we’re excited for what’s next.