First Bank of the United States

America’s founding father established their original government in Philadelphia after the winning the Revolutionary War, and among their goals to help build the nation was creating a single currency and found national bank. Today that bank still stands, and can be found on Independence Mall. Alexander Hamilton created the First Bank of the United States, and the Roman-style of the building was intentionally imposing. The building was completed in 1795, and it served as the nation’s first bank until 1811. Today the building is a National Historic Landmark; however, visitors can only explore the bank from the outside, as it is not open to the public. 

Practical Info

The First Bank of the United States sits on the east side of Independence Mall, next to Carpenters’ Hall and a few minutes’ walk from Independence Hall. The Independence National Historic Park Library sits just across the street.