The River Press – Fort Benton, Montana – Wednesday, July 30, 2025
NEW BANK COMING – Bank of the Rockies has announced their purchase of the old US Bank building on the corner of Front and 13th streets in Fort Benton. The family-owned Montana bank plans to open its 8th location in May of 2027 – delayed due to a requirement from their purchase agreement that does not allow them to open a bank in that building for two years.
Bank of the Rockies purchases old US Bank building, plans to open in 2027
By Bethany Monroe DeBorde
Bank of the Rockies – the oldest bank in Montana – recently purchased the former US Bank building on the corner of Front and 13th streets and plans to open the new branch in May of 2027.
“We are excited about coming there,” said Mike Grove, president and chairman of the family-owned small town. “We do like business in small towns.”
In fact, the bank got its start in White Sulphur Springs in 1883, serving farmers, ranchers and miners – and has operated continuously ever since.
Grove likes to think that Bank of the Rockies would have helped finance the Montana ranch in the popular TV shows “Yellowstone” and “1883.”
Grove purchased the bank in 1973 and has expanded it over the decades. His two sons traveled to each branch with him as children and are now part of the family business.
“Now we are one of the biggest community banks in Montana,” Grove said.
Fort Benton will become their 8th location, with current branches in White Sulphur Springs, Helena, Bozeman, Clyde Park, Livingston, Lewistown and Livingston.
When Bank of the Rockies purchased the historic brick building in Fort Benton, one of US Bank’s stipulations was that they could not operate a bank there for two years, Grove said.
“We can’t technically open the office until May of 2027, but in the meantime, we want to do everything we can to start building customers and meeting customers,” he said.
Grove said he feels US Bank did the community a disservice by closing without bringing in another banking service to immediately fill the void, so he has petitioned the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to review it. There are many rules banks must follow in providing the public with access to financial services. Depending on the regulator’s review, Bank of the Rockies could potentially open their Fort Benton location sooner.
Bank of the Rockies offers personal, business and agricultural banking services, as well as insurance policies for home, life, auto and even pets.
They take pride in offering a personal approach to banking with phones answered by employees, not an automated message.
While some of the bigger national banks have tried to shift customers to online banking rather than in-person services, Bank of the Rockies encourages people to visit their branches and strives to make them an inviting space, incorporating historic Montana memorabilia, Grove Said. They do, however, offer online banking services as a convenience for customers who prefer that route.
In a state with a high percentage of military veterans among the population, Bank of the Rockies partners with the Armed Forces Financial Network so clients can use ATMs from either without incurring fees. They are a member of the Association of Military Banks of America Network and recognize veterans and active military members with special accounts.
They’ve also been recognized by the American Bankers Association for protecting the financial assets of elderly customers.
“We do everything. We kind of want to be a one-stop shop,” Grove said. “We want customers to come into the bank; we want the bank to be a big part of the community and be involved.”
They may even form advisory boards to help encourage community input. They look forward to getting involved with the Chouteau County Fine Arts Council, as they have helped start an arts council in another community.
Grove said he hopes to have a mural painted on the side of the bank sharing some of Fort Benton’s history.
The mural might include General Thomas Meagher, a native of Ireland and U.S. Civil War veteran who allegedly drowned in the Missouri River in 1887 while visiting Fort Benton as the acting governor of the Montana Territory.
Fort Benton’s history with General Meagher ties in with the Bank of the Rockies’ root in White Sulphur Springs. The bank was originally called Bank of Meagher County.
They look forward to supporting local schools, 4-H, and other community activities. One of Grove’s sons, executive vice president Michael Grove, will be in town in August visiting his in-laws in the Highwood area and taking in the Chouteau County Fair.
They look forward to getting to know Fort Benton and welcome locals to get in touch with them anytime. They can be reached at their home branch in Helena at 406-495-1900.
