About Us
Zions Bank’s History Book
To mark it’s 150th anniversary in 2023, Zions Bank compiled the first comprehensive history of one of the West’s great pioneer institutions.
The Zions Bank history book takes readers on our journey from a pioneer bank created to benefit the region’s settlers through its growth to one of the nation’s preeminent financial institutions.
The 246-page book, also available to view at any Zions Bank branch, chronicles the bank’s major highlights through economic ups and downs, its leaders, and its technological evolution.
View the Zions Bank History E-Book
From the vision of Brigham Young emerges a bank for Utah Territory pioneers to protect and grow their savings. U.S. financial uncertainty impacts the bank’s growth during the early days, while new industries emerge and forever transform the state of Utah.
Cover, Forward, Preface
Chapter 1: Pioneer Savings Bank Founded During National Financial Panic
Chapter 2: The Bank’s Early Years and a New Home
Chapter 3: Growth and Business Lending
Chapter 4: Progress, Financial Crisis and Heber J. Grant’s “Missions” to Raise Money
Chapter 5: Economic Recovery and Continued Growth
The Great Depression in the U.S. spreads panic to Utah, as worried depositors fear the safety of their savings. World War II drives in economic recovery in the region. Three banks owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are merged then sold to local businessmen.
Chapter 6: Navigating the Great Depression
Chapter 7: Recovery and World War II Years
Chapter 8: Big Changes Under McKay’s Leadership
Chapter 9: Bank Expansion and Steps Toward Modern Banking
Chapter 10: The Sale of Zions First National Bank
Following the purchase of Zions Bank by savvy businessman Roy W. Simmons and his partners, aggressive expansion occurs throughout Utah.
Chapter 11: The Bank Under New Owners
Chapter 12: The Remarkable Life of Roy Simmons
Chapter 13: The Roy W. Simmons Era at Zions Bank
Chapter 14: Transition to a New Leadership
After national banking laws were liberalized in the 1980s, allowing out-of-state acquisitions in states with reciprocity laws, Zions Bancorporation started to expand across state lines. Harris H. Simmons was promoted to president of Zions Bank in 1986, followed by Scott Anderson in 1996 — two leaders who have driven the bank’s success while uplifting their communities.
Chapter 15: The Harris H. Simmons Era
Chapter 16: The Scott Anderson Era
Chapter 17: Two Extraordinary Leaders Propel the Bank Into the Future
While continuing its focus on local decision-making and community investment, Zions Bancorporation has pioneered technological advancements in the banking industry and opened its Zions Technology Center in 2022.
Chapter 18: Leading the Technology Revolution in Banking
Chapter 19: Banking During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Chapter 20: Key to Success: A Focus on People, Relationships, Small Businesses, and Communities
Chapter 21: Championing Diversity and Inclusion in the Bank’s Workplace, Markets, and Communities
Chapter 22: Zions Bank Excels in Community Involvement
Chapter 23: A Pioneer Bank in a Modern World — Fulfilling a Stewardship
Sections 6-7: Timeline and Credits
View national events since 1873 along with bank milestones over the course of its 150 years and see the sources of images throughout the Zions Bank History Book.
©2023 Zions Bank
Written by LaVarr Webb and Stephen G. Handy
Designed by John Gibby
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without written permission.