Mt. Vernon population is 14,301 and is the county seat of Jefferson County.  It is located on a brief section where I-64 and I-57 combine.  I-64 runs from St. Louis metropolitan area to east of the Indiana state line.  I-57 runs from Sikeston, Missouri to Chicago, a route often taken for travelers to Chicago, Memphis or New Orleans.

Banterra entered the Mt. Vernon marketing with a loan production office in 2002 and established a branch in 2004.  Banterra’s Mt. Vernon branch is the northern-most Banterra branch in the Southern Illinois region, located at 3520 Broadway.  It is located next to the Take 5 Car Wash and Take 5 Oil Change, less than a mile after you pass Drury Inn & Suites, and before you pass Schmidt Chevrolet-Buick-GMC Dealership.

Mt. Vernon was founded in 1817 by Zadok Casey, who would later become a senator (1822), lieutenant governor (1833) and served in U.S. Congress from 1833-1843.  The town was named after George Washington’s plantation, Mount Vernon, which was named for Edward Vernon, a British naval hero.

There was no road to Mt. Vernon when it was founded; access was following northern high ground or crossing southern swamps.  In the early 19^th century, better access was provided with the Goshen Road, which crossed Illinois from Shawneetown to Edwardsville area, and went through the southeast corner of Jefferson County.  However, the town still needed road access so a bridge was completed in 1821 and road access from that bridge to the town.  The state capital was moved to Vandalia two years prior to this bridge completion.  A road to Vandalia would be needed, so “Vandalia Road” was completed in 1823.  The two developments put Mt. Vernon on the map.

Another important milestone for the town was the relocation of Illinois Supreme Court first Grand Division to Mt. Vernon in 1848 and the 5^th District Appellate Court constructed in 1854.  This brought important state lawyers to town including Abraham Lincoln.

In 1889, the Mt. Vernon Car Manufacturing Company opened.  The company built railroad cars and in the early 1900s, employed more than 1,000 workers.  In World War II, portions of this “car shop” was used for wartime production.  Today, this plant thrives as a hub for National Railway Equipment Company which rebuilds and services electric locomotives around the globe.

Today, Mt. Vernon hosts a 48-acre facility for Continental Tire of North America, which has 3,200 employees.  It is also home to major distribution centers including National Railway Equipment Company (mentioned above), NAPA, Walgreens and several others.  SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital offers a 134-bed facility and has 1,500 employees. 

Cedarhurst Center For The Arts is a cultural mecca spread over 80 acres with a 33,000-sq.-ft. cultural center, the Shrode Art Center and two historic homes.  Banterra is a proud supporter of Cedarhurst and a main sponsor for their holiday light exhibit.

Mt. Vernon District 80 Schools includes Hall Early Childhood, Osborne Primary Center, Buford Intermediate and Casey Middle School.  Mt. Vernon Township High School is the home of the Mt. Vernon Rams.  Banterra is a proud supporter of local schools, youth athletics and community events.
 

Thank You for Choosing Banterra Bank in Mt. Vernon, Illinois 

Banterra Bank knows you have your choice of Mt. Vernon banks. Through attentive customer service and products that help you manage your finances well, we work hard to earn your business. Thank you for choosing Banterra Bank and the Mt. Vernon branch.