The history of Independence Bank is a history of people. People who shared a dream and a vision of a strong community bank. A bank that would provide extraordinary service to its customers and grow along with its communities.

Independence Bank's charter can be traced back to 1909, when Farmers & Merchants Bank opened in McLean County, Kentucky. The modern-day history of the bank began in 1971 when Charles A. Reid and Maurice E. Reisz purchased Farmers & Merchants Bank and Providence State Bank in Webster County. Soon after, Chris Reid joined his father and uncle and assumed a leadership role in the banks.

In 1997, the two small banks were incorporated under one name, Independence Bank. The name was chosen when Chris and his family were on vacation in Philadelphia. Chris's daughter, Lauren, remarked how Independence Hall looked like a bank, and the rest is history.

With the new name, the bank began a rapid expansion into surrounding communities in Western Kentucky. First to Henderson and Owensboro, then over the next few years to Sebree, Beech Grove, Hawesville, Lewisport, Bowling Green and Paducah. One thing was critical to the success of this expansion - persuading the best bankers in each community to join the Independence Bank team. That team now includes 10 former bank Presidents - Johnnie Phillips, Larry Mayfield, Earl W. Peters, Greg Mullican, Wayne Hughes, Robert R. Fitch, Darrell Higginbotham, Danny Evitts, Scott Audas and Chris Reid.

2001 brought a change in leadership, with Chris taking over his father's role as President. On October 11, 2002 ground was broken for a new main office in the heart of Owensboro. "Independence Square" was completed in July 2004.