Founded in 1911 on the Kansas City, Mexico & Orient Railroad, the town of Rankin saw for immense oil fields discovered in its trade area in 1923-1926. Local business expanded greatly. The first state bank of Rankin-- Upton County's first financial institution-- opened June 4,1927. Original officers were John F. Lane, business and civic leader, president; J. P. Rankin, rancher, vice president. Directors: Harry Baldwin, oil man; T. J. Murphy, Rancher; G. W. Newberry, merchant; W. M. Noelke, rancher; B. S. Taylor, merchant. W. H. Holcombe served as the bank's first cashier.