In the late 1800s people with dreams came to California from all corners of the world. Among them an immigrant couple named Giannini who gave birth to a son, Amandeo Peter.

A.P. went to work at 12 on the docks in San Francisco unloading cargo, filling orders, outwitting competitors, building solid customer relationships. A dynamic business builder he traveled up and down California to meet farmers and sign contracts. He offered honest deals, good prices, respectable treatment, and he stood by his word. His reputation grew. And also did his business.

In 1902, A.P. joined the board of a San Francisco bank. He discovered that most banks cared only for the wealthy powerful and wellborn

Believing in the "little fellows" A.P. urged the directors to change their policies. They refused, So, at the age of 34, he stormed out saying, "I'll start my own bank!" On October 17,1904, Bank of Italy - later named Bank of America - opened its doors in a remodeled saloon.

Bank employees went door-to-door explaining to people what a bank could do for them and invited them to become customers. People responded. When the 1906 earthquake struck, A.P. knew people needed help immediately. He set up an outdoor desk made of two barrels and a plank, and began to lend money to rebuild. "We didn't loose a dollar," A.P. said. In 1913 the first out-of-town branch was opened.

The decision to merge with Nations Banks is the fulfillment of the century-old dream of Bank of America's founder, A.P. Giannini. Bank of America is now America's bank - a nationwide franchise that delivers financial services to millions upon millions of families, businesses and communities. This phenomenal merger has created America's largest branch network with 4,800 banking centers across the U.S. and the largest ATM network with nearly 15,000. Bank of America now encompasses 22 states and will be very visible wherever you travel with the new Bank of America logo, a red white and blue flag proudly displayed.