The History of Croghan Colonial Bank

For more than 130 years, Croghan Colonial Bank has served Fremont, Ohio and Sandusky County. What began as a small, privately owned bank with $10,000 in capital has grown into a full-service community bank — and the story behind our name is one we’re proud to share.

Historic black and white photo of the Colonial Savings Bank storefront

Founded in 1888

Croghan Colonial Bank traces its roots to July 25, 1888, when Augustus E. Rice and John W. Pero opened a small bank at 311 Croghan Street in Fremont. Neither man could have imagined the modest institution they started would one day grow into the bank it is today. Privately owned for its first two years, the bank was incorporated in 1890 as The Croghan Bank and Savings Co. — the name that would carry through more than a century of growth.

See Our Timeline

Engraving of Major George Croghan, hero of Fort Stephenson, with the cannon Old Betsy

Where Our Name Comes From

Our name honors Colonel George Croghan, a young officer whose bravery shaped local history. In August 1813, at just 21, Croghan commanded Fort Stephenson in what is now Fremont. When a much larger British and Native American force demanded his surrender, he refused — vowing the fort would be defended “to the last extremity.” With a single cannon, nicknamed Old Betsy, and only 160 men, Croghan’s garrison repelled the attack. Decades later, when Fremont’s community bank looked for a name reflecting the area’s character, Croghan’s courage made the choice clear. Today, we continue to proudly carry his name, honoring that same spirit of courage in how we serve our community.

Our Timeline

1888

Croghan Bank Is Founded

Augustus E. Rice and J. W. Pero founded Croghan Bank in Fremont on July 25th, planting the roots of what would become a regional institution.

1890

Croghan Bank and Savings Co. Is Incorporated

The newly incorporated Croghan Bank and Savings Co. purchased the assets and liabilities of Croghan Bank, formalizing its foundation.

1904

A New Home on Croghan Street

Croghan Bank and Savings Co. purchased the Brainard property at 323 Croghan Street, Fremont, now the site of our current Main Office.

1933

Reopening During the Great Depression

When President Roosevelt ordered the national Bank Holiday, Croghan reopened for full operation within days, restoring depositors’ confidence.

1955

Croghan Colonial Bank Is Born

Croghan Bank and Savings Co. consolidated with Colonial Savings Bank, forming Croghan Colonial Bank and launching new locations on Fremont’s east and west sides.

1958

Expanding Into Green Springs

The bank acquired the Commercial Bank of Green Springs, extending its reach and services into a new community.

1970s

Keeping Pace With Growing Demand

New offices, an operations center and a consumer loan center opened across Sandusky County to serve a growing customer base.

1984

Croghan Bancshares, Inc. Is Formed

A new holding company positioned Croghan as a wholly owned subsidiary, ready to adapt to a changing regulatory landscape while staying locally owned.

1988

Celebrating 100 Years of Service

Croghan Colonial Bank marked its centennial, celebrating a century of service to Fremont and the surrounding region.

1996

Expanding Into Bellevue, Clyde and Monroeville

The acquisition of The Union Bank & Savings Company brought new banking centers in Bellevue, Clyde and Monroeville into the Croghan family.

2001

Expanding Into Port Clinton and Ottawa County

Croghan Colonial Bank expanded into Port Clinton, marking its first location in Ottawa County and a new region for future growth.

2011

Growing Into Fremont North and Tiffin

Offices acquired from The Home Savings & Loan Company added Fremont North and Tiffin Downtown and Westgate to the Croghan family.

2013

Adding Oak Harbor, Port Clinton, Oregon and Curtice

The acquisition of Indebancorp brought Oak Harbor, Port Clinton, Oregon and Curtice into the Croghan Colonial Bank family of offices.

2021

Opening a New Office in Milan, Ohio

Croghan Colonial Bank opened a new office in Milan, Ohio, continuing more than a century of steady, community-focused growth.

A Community Bank, Then and Now

What has stayed constant through more than a century of growth is our commitment to community. During World War I, officers and staff gave up vacation time to keep the bank running. Generations of local families have banked with us since childhood, growing alongside a bank that has always served Fremont and Sandusky County first. Today, that commitment reaches across six counties, including Sandusky, Erie, Huron, Seneca, Lucas and Ottawa, while still carrying forward the name and legacy of the man who gave us our name over 200 years ago.

Meet Our Leaders

Vintage black and white photo of Croghan Colonial Bank staff seated at desks inside a banking office