Merchants' Exchange Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Merchants' Exchange Building
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Merchants' Exchange Building
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| Location | 143 S. Third St. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States |
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| Built | 1832-34 |
| Architect | William Strickland |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival architecture |
| NRHP reference No. | 01001047 |
| Added to NRHP | August 7, 2001 |
The Merchants' Exchange Building is a very old and important building in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It's located in a historic area called Old City. A famous architect named William Strickland designed this building. It was built a long time ago, between 1832 and 1834.
This building was special because it was one of the very first office buildings in Philadelphia. It also used to be a place where people bought and sold things like stocks and goods. Later, the Philadelphia Stock Exchange moved into this building. In 2001, it was recognized as a National Historic Landmark because of its importance.
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A Look at the Building's Design
The Merchants' Exchange Building was designed by a well-known architect named William Strickland. He was famous for designing many important buildings in the United States. The building shows off a style called Greek Revival architecture. This means it looks a lot like ancient Greek temples.
What is Greek Revival Architecture?
Greek Revival architecture was very popular in the United States during the 1800s. Buildings in this style often have:
- Tall columns, like those on old Greek temples.
- A triangular roof section called a pediment.
- A grand, impressive look.
- Often made from stone or brick.
The Merchants' Exchange Building has these features, making it a great example of this style.
The Building's Early Purpose
When it was first built, the Merchants' Exchange Building was a very busy place. It was known as a brokerage house. This means it was a center where people called brokers would meet. They would buy and sell different things, like goods and company shares. It was a bit like a marketplace for business deals.
Philadelphia's First Office Building
It's interesting to know that this building was the first of its kind in Philadelphia. Before this, many businesses operated from homes or smaller shops. The Merchants' Exchange Building was designed specifically for offices and business transactions. This made it a modern and important place for the city's economy.
A Home for the Stock Exchange
In 1875, a major financial group moved into the building. This was the Philadelphia Stock Exchange. A stock exchange is a place where people buy and sell shares of companies. When you own a share, you own a small part of that company. The Merchants' Exchange Building became a central spot for these important financial activities in Philadelphia.
Becoming a National Historic Landmark
The Merchants' Exchange Building is not just an old building; it's a piece of history. Because of its unique design and its important role in Philadelphia's past, it received a special honor. In 2001, it was named a National Historic Landmark.
What is a National Historic Landmark?
A National Historic Landmark is a place that the United States government recognizes as being very important to the country's history. These landmarks are chosen because they tell a significant story about America's past. They are protected and preserved so that future generations can learn from them. The Merchants' Exchange Building earned this title because of its architectural beauty and its role in the development of business and finance in the U.S.
