The First

The history of The First began with the formation of The People's Bank, incorporated in 1852. The bank was created in the spirit of local ownership, with several prominent business owners in the twin villages of Damariscotta and Newcastle establishing the bank to serve their many enterprises. The People's Bank was re-chartered by the U.S. Treasury on May 30, 1864, to become The First National Bank of Damariscotta. Over 140 years later, The First still stands strong as an independent bank serving a much wider community than the twin villages. Local ownership and independence is still essential to our mission today, as it was for those involved in the industries along the shores of the Damariscotta River many years ago.