FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 For more information contact:
November 16, 2005                     Michael A. Carty at (812) 238-6000



FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORATION DECLARES SEMI-ANNUAL DIVIDEND


TERRE HAUTE, INDIANA - The directors of First Financial Corporation (NASDAQ:
THFF) have declared a semi-annual dividend of 42 cents per share payable on
January 2, 2006, to shareholders of record at the close of business December 2,
2005. Today's declaration represents an increase of 5.0% over the same period
last year and brings the total dividend declared for 2005 to 82 cents per share,
a 3.8% increase from 2004.

This is the 17th consecutive year the First Financial Corporation has increased
dividends paid to shareholders. According to Norman L. Lowery, CEO, the
corporation continues to perform well because the First banks focus on the
basics: credit quality, strong capital base, conservative management and
community leadership. "We believe our success also reflects a genuine commitment
to exceptional customer service. At a time when many banks are cutting back on
service, the level of customer service we provide sets us apart."

First Financial Corporation is the holding company for First Financial Bank
N.A., The Morris Plan Company of Terre Haute and Forrest Sherer, Inc. in
Indiana.