National Iron Bank's self-printed one-dollar note plate features an intricate display of iron workers using an engraving style called guilloche, which added a sophisticated style as well as protection from forgery. Photo courtesy of National Iron Bank.

Salisbury-based National Iron Bank is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year.

“It has always been our mission to support our communities by investing locally to preserve the special quality of life found here in Connecticut,” Steven Cornell, president of National Iron Bank, said in a statement. “I would like to thank our employees for their collaborative efforts in building lasting customer relationships, providing local expertise, and having an impact on the communities where we live and work.”

Initially founded as Iron Bank in October 1847, the bank began as a community effort for local ironworkers in the Northwest corner of Connecticut, where the iron industry prospered, the statement said. Like banks and other institutions throughout the United States, the Iron Bank printed its own money. The bills featured an ironworker, and each one was numbered and signed by hand. The National Currency Act and National Banking Act in the mid-1860s then established a national currency.

The bank said it would hold events marking its anniversary in Cornwall, Litchfield, New Milford, Norfolk, Salisbury and Washington during the summer and fall.

“For 175 years we have been steadfastly committed to serving the needs of the next generation,” Cornell said. “From personalized customer service to online and mobile banking, we continue to invest in technology and our facilities, and remain dedicated to growing with our customers and our markets for years to come.”

National Iron Bank is considered New England’s oldest private bank and has about $265 million in assets. In addition to branches in Cornwall Bridge, Norfolk, Salisbury and Washington Depot, the bank has loan offices in Litchfield and New Milford.