The First, A National Banking Association ("The First"​) is owned by the holding company, The First Bancshares, Inc. Incorporated in 1995, the holding company is located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The First began operating in 1996 from its home office in the Oak Grove community in Hattiesburg. The First has aggressively expanded since its beginning thru organic growth and acquisitions. The Bank currently has 71 locations in South Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.