Architecture of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America

The World : North America : United States : Pennsylvania : Philadelphia

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First Bank of the United States

Built:	1795-1797
Renovated:	1976
Designed by:	Samuel Blodgett and James Windrim
Type:	Office building
Cost:	US$110,168.05
Location:	Third Street

It was Alexander Hamilton who popularized the idea of the First Bank of the United States. After the revolution each state had its own currency. Most were worthless as the states themselves were bankrupted by the war effort. Hamilton realized that in order for the new fragile union to survive it would need a central bank. The neo-classical structure helped reinforce the vision that the bank and the Union were sturdy concepts that would stand the test of time. In reality, the bank only lasted 20 years, losing its charter in 1811. It remains the oldest bank building in the United States.

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