Originally known as Pontiac National Bank, we opened our first bank at the height of the Great Depression, with $75,000 in in ... vestments from a small farming community that understood the need for a strong, local bank. Today, that vision has expanded to include 13 neighborhood banks, in five communities throughout east central Illinois. But they all share the same simple philosophy - strong communities are built on strong relationships. And at Freestar Bank, we're committed to building both. read more