Chamber of Commerce of the State of New York facts for kids
The New York Chamber of Commerce was a very important group started in 1768. Twenty business people in New York City created it. It was the first group like this in the United States. Many powerful business leaders joined, such as John Jacob Astor, Peter Cooper, and J. Pierpont Morgan.
Members of the Chamber helped make big projects happen. These included the Erie Canal, the Atlantic cable, and the New York City Transit Authority. Today, the Chamber of Commerce is part of the Partnership for New York City. This new group was formed in 2002.
Contents
History of the Chamber of Commerce
How it Started (1769–1774)
On April 5, 1768, twenty New York merchants met. They gathered at Bolton and Sigel's Tavern. This building is now known as Fraunces Tavern. They wanted to form a business group.
They called themselves the New York Chamber of Commerce. Their goal was to protect and help businesses in New York City. In 1770, they moved to the Royal Exchange. They asked Lt. Governor Colden for a special permission. King George III then gave them a royal charter. This made them an official group.
During the Revolutionary War (1775–1783)
When the Revolutionary War began, the members were split. Some were loyal to Britain. Others were patriots who wanted independence.
Patriot members left New York City in 1776. This happened after the British took over. These members included John Cruger, the first President of the Chamber. The loyalist members stayed. They continued to hold meetings and do business.
Starting Fresh (1784–1806)
After the British left in 1783, the patriot members returned. They quickly took control of the Chamber. They moved to the Merchants’ Coffee House. This building was on Wall and Water Streets.
In 1784, the Chamber got a new charter. It was now called "the Corporation of the Chamber of Commerce of the State of New York." Over the next few years, the Chamber sent many ideas to Congress. These ideas were about trade and protecting the New York Harbor.
The idea for the Erie Canal was first mentioned around this time. In 1793, the Chamber moved again. This time, they went to the Tontine Association. The Chamber supported the Jay Treaty in 1795. They encouraged other business groups to support it too. After 1800, fewer members attended meetings. By 1806, meetings stopped because not enough people showed up.
Coming Back Strong (1817–1860)
In 1817, the President, Cornelius Ray, asked to restart the Chamber. New leaders were chosen. The group gained 36 new members at the first meeting.
Interest in the Erie Canal grew over the years. The Chamber published a pamphlet. It explained why the canal was a good idea.
From 1827 to 1835, the Chamber was in the Merchants Exchange Building. This building was on Wall Street. A huge fire, the Great Fire of New York, destroyed it on December 16, 1835. During the fire, some important portraits were saved. These included pictures of Alexander Hamilton and Cadwallader Colden. The Chamber's books and seal were also saved. It is believed the original charter was lost in the fire. The Chamber had to move again. This time, they went to the Merchants Bank on Wall Street.
During this time, the Chamber focused on running its daily business. They hired a clerk and a librarian. These people helped the elected Secretary. By 1849, the Chamber had 205 members. They became more involved in national and international trade. They helped with the first Atlantic cable. In 1858, the Chamber released its first yearly report. It talked about business conditions. The Chamber soon needed more space. They decided to move to the Underwriters' building. This building was on William and Cedar Streets.
During the Civil War (1861–1865)
During the Civil War, the Chamber raised money. They also wrote to the President, Congress, and the New York State Legislature. They wrote about protecting the New York Harbor. The State Legislature gave one million dollars for this project. The Chamber checked the defenses and found them good.
The Chamber also honored brave actions. In 1861, they gave medals to the defenders of Fort Sumter and Fort Pickens. In 1862 and 1863, the Chamber spoke out against two enemy ships. These were the CSS Alabama and the CSS Florida. These ships captured and burned Union merchant and naval ships.
The Chamber estimated the CSS Alabama caused twelve million dollars in damage. They wrote to the Secretary of the Navy, Gideon Welles. They urged him to act quickly. A year later, on July 7, 1864, the Chamber recorded that the CSS Alabama was sunk. It was sunk by the USS Kearsarge. The Chamber raised twenty-five thousand dollars. This money was given to the crew of the Kearsarge to thank them.
From 1866 to Today
The Chamber joined with the New York City Partnership in 2002.
Images for kids
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Former Chamber of Commerce Building
