Washington Trust's OG Bank Notes Did It First

Washington Trust's OG Bank Notes Did It First

Photograph courtesy of Washington Trust Many rhode islanders know North Kingstown-born Gilbert Stuart painted the portrait of George Washington that appears on the $1 bill. But did you know the state’s claims to presidential currency predate that design by nearly seven decades? In 1800, Washington Bank — known today as Washington Trust — was founded in Westerly just six months after the death of its famous namesake. At the time, banks commonly p…