Wall Street

In 653, Dutch colonists built a wooden stockade across lower Manhattan to protect their settlement from attacks by the British and Indians. This barrier eventually evolved into Wall Street by the 18th century.

In 1652, during the Anglo-Dutch Wars, Dutch settlers in Manhattan built a wooden wall as a defense against potential English attacks. The wall, known as 'de Waal Straat,' was constructed using 15-foot planks and dirt, and featured cannons. It later fell into disrepair and was restored in 1693.

In 1653, the early history of Wall Street began, marking the initial stages of its development as a financial hub.

After the English conquest of New Netherland in 1664, the settlement was renamed to New York, leading to the change in the official records and designations of streets like Wall Street.

In 1686, New York Governor Thomas Dongan may have issued the first official designation of Wall Street, solidifying its name and significance in the city's history.

In 1703, Wall Street became the location of New York's first city hall, known as Federal Hall, marking an important historical and governmental site in the city.

On December 13, 1711, Wall Street became the site of the government-sanctioned slave market in New York City. The market operated until 1762, generating tax revenue for the city from the trade of enslaved individuals.

The South Sea market hysteria scandal of 1720 was a significant event that led to the association of 'bulls' and 'bears' with the stock market. It played a role in shaping the terminology used on Wall Street.

The official slave market on Wall Street in New York ceased operations in 1762. This marked the conclusion of a dark period in the street's history when it was deeply connected to the slave trade.

At the Merchants’ Coffee House, New York City stockbrokers and merchants sign the “Buttonwood Agreement,” which outlines rules for securities transactions. The agreement is named after a buttonwood tree where business was previously conducted.

Securities transactions in New York shift to the Tontine Coffee House from the Merchants’ Coffee House. Business is also conducted on the street.

A group of New York brokers establish the New York Stock and Exchange Board, later known as the New York Stock Exchange (N.Y.S.E.).

In 1829, the New York Stock Exchange sees an average daily trading volume of 5,000 shares.

In 1846, Wall Street experienced significant growth in investment banking during the 19th century.

On September 24, 1869, a group of speculators including Jay Gould and Jim Fiske attempted to corner the gold market, leading to a financial panic in the United States.

The Wall Street brokerage firm of Grand and Ward, co-owned by Buck Grant, son of former President Ulysses S. Grant, fails, causing a panic and the collapse of 15 other stock exchange firms. This leads to the bankruptcy of the ex-president and prompts him to start writing his wartime memoirs.

The New York Stock Exchange's trading volume hits one million shares a day for the first time in history on December 15, 1886.

On May 26, 1896, Charles Dow introduced his industrial stock average in the first publication of the Wall Street Journal. This marked the beginning of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which became a key indicator of market performance.

The intersection of Wall Street and Broad Street around 1900 was a significant location in the financial district of New York City, symbolizing the heart of American capitalism and economic power.

In 1903, the new New York Stock Exchange building opened at 18 Broad Street in Manhattan. Designed by architect George B. Post, the building featured grand architecture and was equipped with innovative amenities like air conditioning.

A book by Sereno Pratt published in 1904, providing insights into the operations and activities of Wall Street during that period.

On January 12, 1906, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the day at over 100 points for the first time. This milestone signified the growth and strength of the stock market during that period.

In 1911, there were indications that financial services dealings were shifting from Wall Street to Midtown Manhattan due to advancements in technology, such as computers and telecommunications replacing paper notifications.

A devastating explosion occurred on September 16, 1920, in Wall Street, causing significant damage and loss of life. The incident had a profound impact on the financial district and raised concerns about security measures.

Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon mentions bargains in the bond market, leading to a buying frenzy on Wall Street. Concerns arise about a potential market collapse as prices continue to rise.

On March 25, 1929, a mini-crash began in the stock market as investors started selling, exposing the shaky foundations of the market. Many investors who had played the market with borrowed money faced disaster as margin calls wiped out their holdings.

On March 27, 1929, as investors sought to borrow more money after the mini-crash, interest rates soared to 20 percent. The New York Daily News described the situation as a 'selling avalanche.'

The stock market crash of 1929 began on October 24, known as Black Thursday, leading to a series of events that culminated in the Great Depression. The crash resulted in significant financial losses and a prolonged economic downturn.

The Securities and Exchange Commission is established to oversee and regulate the securities industry, including stocks, bonds, and other investments. Joseph P. Kennedy, a former Wall Street speculator, is appointed as its chairman.

For the first time, women are permitted to enter the New York Stock Exchange trading floor, marking a significant step towards gender equality in the financial sector.

The New York Stock Exchange's census of shareholders reveals that 17 million Americans now own stock, indicating a significant increase of 10 million shareholders since 1952.

Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, Wall Street closes briefly due to concerns of panic selling. The event reflects the impact of political turmoil on financial markets.

Black Monday on October 19, 1987, saw a major stock market crash, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping by a record 22.6%. The event shocked investors and regulators, leading to reforms in the financial sector.

The building at 60 Wall Street was constructed in 1988 and served as the former headquarters of J.P. Morgan & Co. before becoming the U.S. headquarters of Deutsche Bank. It is currently the last major investment bank headquarters on Wall Street.

In 1997, trading spreads are reduced from 12.5 to 6.5 cents per share, impacting the financial operations of Wall Street and traders.

On January 26, 2000, the band Rage Against the Machine shot the music video for 'Sleep Now in the Fire' on Wall Street, directed by Michael Moore.

Plans to rebuild the New York Stock Exchange Building were delayed by the September 11 attacks, but the exchange still occupies the same site.

By 2010, Wall Street firms were seen as returning to their previous status as engines of wealth and prosperity after the Federal Reserve's efforts in 2008. The area experienced a phoenix-like resurrection with booming residential, commercial, retail, and hotel sectors.

On September 17, 2011, the Occupy Wall Street movement began in Zuccotti Park, aiming to protest economic inequality and hold banks accountable for the financial crisis. The movement spread across the country, advocating for social and economic reforms.

On October 29, 2012, Hurricane Sandy caused disruption on Wall Street as New York and New Jersey were inundated by a record storm surge. The NYSE closed for weather-related reasons, marking a significant event in the area.

The 2013 film 'The Wolf of Wall Street' is a dark comedy portraying Jordan Belfort's fraudulent activities on Wall Street from 1987 to 1998.

Stacey Cunningham made history by becoming the first female president of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in 2019.

The Tontine Coffee House and The Buttonwood Agreement are significant historical events related to the establishment and early development of Wall Street.

The event discusses the Bank War and the transfer of financial influence to New York from the Bank of North America's initial site in Philadelphia.

The event titled 'The First Great Reset' explores the connections between Wall Street, the Great Depression, and the Pecora Commission. It likely delves into the financial and regulatory aspects of these entities during a significant historical period.

The event discusses the impact of the Great Depression on Wall Street and the implementation of the New Deal to support working people during that challenging period.

Wall Street, covering only eight city blocks, is recognized as one of the most significant financial districts globally.