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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / History

Industrial Bank

The oldest and largest African American and family-owned community bank in the metropolitan Washington region, Industrial Bank is a historic pillar of financial empowerment founded in the early 20th century.

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Industrial Bank
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What is Industrial Bank known for?

Industrial Bank is the oldest and largest African American and family-owned community bank in the metropolitan Washington region. By 1947, it was the largest Black-owned bank in the United States.

When was Industrial Bank founded?

The bank was established in 1913 as the Industrial Savings Bank by John Whitelaw Lewis, though it closed in 1932 and was reorganized and reopened by Jesse Mitchell in 1934.

Where is Industrial Bank located?

The corporate headquarters is at 4812 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC. The bank also has banking centers in Washington, DC and Prince George’s County, Maryland.

What are the hours for the banking centers?

Lobby hours vary by location: the Anacostia Gateway center is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm, while the U Street and Georgia Avenue centers are open Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm and Saturday from 9am to 1pm.

Does Industrial Bank offer notary services?

Yes, Industrial Bank offers notary services, which are available at the Anacostia Gateway and U Street banking centers.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Industrial Bank stands as a monumental symbol of economic resilience and community empowerment. Originally established in 1913 as the Industrial Savings Bank by John Whitelaw Lewis, the institution first operated out of the Laborers' Building and Loan Association building, which was designed by William Sidney Pittman. After a period of closure in 1932, the bank was reorganized and reopened on August 20, 1934, by Howard University alumnus Jesse Mitchell. The bank's growth during the mid-century was explosive. By 1947, Industrial Bank had accumulated $6 million in assets from over 14,000 depositors, with more than 20% of those depositors being white. This achievement established it as the largest Black-owned bank in the United States at that time, cementing its role as a critical financial engine for the region's African American community. In the modern era, the bank continues to expand its footprint and influence. On November 1, 2019, it acquired substantially all assets of the insolvent City National Bank from New Jersey. Today, the institution maintains over $550 million in assets and employs more than 140 people to manage its operations across Washington, DC and Prince George’s County, Maryland. Visitors can find its corporate headquarters at 4812 Georgia Ave NW. The bank maintains several key locations, including the U Street Banking Center at 2000 Eleventh Street NW and the Anacostia Gateway Banking Center at 1800 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, ensuring accessibility across diverse neighborhoods.

Visitor tips

  • Visit the U Street or Georgia Avenue locations on Saturdays between 9am and 1pm if you need banking services.
  • Note that the Anacostia Gateway lobby is only open Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm.
  • If you require a notary, this service is available at the U Street and Anacostia Gateway centers.

Nearby context

Located in the heart of Washington, DC, Industrial Bank's various branches link the city's historic Black commercial hubs, from the vibrant U Street corridor to the residential and commercial centers of Georgia Avenue and Anacostia.

Sources

Evidence and links