First State Bank of Chester

The First State Bank of Chester, established in 1910, is a historic red brick building located at the intersection of Washington Avenue and 1st Street East in Chester, Montana. Designed by architect R. T. Frost, it was celebrated as the most architecturally exquisite structure in the town upon its completion. Initially serving the prosperous local farming community, the bank faced challenges during the droughts of the late 1910s and ultimately closed in 1920. The building has since been repurposed for various commercial and residential uses, including serving as Chester's hospital from the 1920s to the 1940s. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997, making it a notable site for tourists and researchers interested in local history and architecture.