Fortress Bank traces its historical roots back to 1904 when its predecessor financial institution was established to provide traditional commercial, agricultural, and personal banking services to local communities in the American Midwest. Throughout the 20th century, the bank maintained conservative capital reserves and personal relationship banking traditions through changing economic cycles. A pivotal moment occurred in 2008 during the global financial crisis when Lee Garlach and an investor group acquired the bank, restructuring its operations and rebranding it as Fortress Bank. Under new leadership, the bank expanded its footprint across West Central Illinois and Eastern Iowa, growing its asset base to nearly $600 million while specializing in commercial real estate financing, small business lending, and retail deposit solutions.