1 Hanover Square facts for kids
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New York Cotton Exchange
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1 Hanover Square, also known as India House
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| Location | Hanover Square, Manhattan |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1851-1853 |
| Architect | Richard F. Carman |
| Architectural style | Renaissance |
| NRHP reference No. | 72001586 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | January 7, 1972 |
| Designated NHL | December 22, 1977 |
1 Hanover Square, also known as the India House, is a historic building in Lower Manhattan, New York City. It stands on the southern edge of Hanover Square. Built in 1851, this building was once home to the New York Cotton Exchange. This was the first place in the United States where people could trade "commodity futures." Because of its important history, it was named a New York City Landmark in 1965. Later, in 1977, it became a National Historic Landmark.
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What is 1 Hanover Square?
1 Hanover Square is located in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan. It is a three-story building made of brownstone. The building was designed in the Italian Renaissance style. This style often uses classic Roman and Greek elements.
Building Design
The front of the building is wide, with eight sections. The main entrance is in the middle. The windows on the first floor are tall. They have decorative arches above them. Windows on the second floor are smaller. They have pointed decorations above them. The windows on the third floor are the smallest and simplest. The top of the building has a decorative border called a cornice.
Building History
A builder named Richard F. Carman constructed this building. He built it between 1851 and 1853. He wanted it to be a place for businesses. For a time, it was the main office for the Hanover Bank.
In 1870, something very important happened here. The New York Cotton Exchange was started in this building. It was only the second cotton exchange in the world. It was the first in the United States to deal with "commodity futures."
What are Commodity Futures?
Imagine you want to buy cotton. A "commodity future" is a special agreement. It means you agree to buy a certain amount of cotton. You will buy it at a set price, but at a future date. This helps buyers and sellers plan ahead.
Later Uses of the Building
From 1885 to 1913, the building was the main office for W.R. Grace and Company. This was a large company involved in trade. In 1913, a group called the India House bought the building. This was a private club for people who worked in international trade.
Today, 1 Hanover Square has restaurants inside. You might also recognize it from a movie! It was used in the 2001 film Kate & Leopold. In the movie, it was Leopold's family home.
Images for kids
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The main brownstone structure, on Hanover Square, is eight bays wide.
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First-floor plan
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1 Hanover Square when it was occupied by the New York Cotton Exchange
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Side view of the building
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See also
In Spanish: 1 Hanover Square para niños
