First Bank of the United States, part of Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia
SITE OVERVIEW
As the name implies, the First Bank of the United States was the country’s first federal bank. It was created in 1791 at the urging of Alexander Hamilton for the purpose of helping to establish the new nation’s credit and pay off war debt. It was headquartered in Carpenters’ Hall while a new building was being constructed, a project that finished in 1795.
The bank received a charter for twenty years, with the government having the option to renew—it did not and the bank closed in 1811. The property and the bank’s assets were purchased by Stephen Girard, one of the wealthiest men America at the time. He used the building to open his own bank, Girard Bank.
Today the building is closed to the public. It is currently used as office space for the National Park Service at Independence National Historical Park.
LOCATION
The First Bank of the United States is located at 120 South 3rd Street.
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Last updated on March 22, 2025
