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Stockade Erected in Manhattan
A 12-foot-high wood stockade is erected across lower Manhattan from river to river to protect Dutch settlers from attacks by the British and Indians. -
Wallstreet Laid Out
Surveyors lay out Wall Street along the line of the stockade. -
US Investment Markets Born
The federal government refinances all federal and state Revolutionary War debt, issuing $80 million in bonds. These become the first major issues of publicly traded securities, marking the birth of the U.S. investment markets. -
Meeting Under the Buttonwood Tree
A group of 24 merchants and brokers gathered on Wall Stree under a buttonwood tree to sign an agreement to trade secutities on a commission basis. -
Securities Market Grows
After the Civil War ended the securities market began to grow in New York. Government bonds, banks and insurance stocks trade now -
The Great Fire
The Great Fire destroys over 700 buildings in lower Manhattan. The NYS&EB moves to temporary headquarters. -
Telegraph is Invented
The telegraph is invented, broadening market participation by facilitating communication with brokers and investors outside New York City -
Civil War Begins
With the outbreak of the Civil War the NYS&BE suspend trading in seceding states. -
A New Name
The New York Stock and Exchange Board changes its name to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). -
Lincoln is Assasinated
The stock market is closed for two weeks following the death of President Lincoln -
The First Stock Ticker
Invented by Edward A. Calahan, the stock ticker revolutionizes the stock market by bringing current prices to investors everywhere. -
Gold Speculation Ruins Stock Market
On September 24, gold speculation resulted in "Black Friday." -
NYSE Establishes Clearing House
The New York Stock Exchange Clearing House is organized to centralize and expedite the transfer of securities from broker to broker. -
New Location
The NYSE moves to their current location at 18 Broad Street. -
Longest Exchange Shutdown
WWI causes securities exchanges around the world suspend operations to stop plunging prices. The NYSE closes its doors and doens't open for 4 and a half months. -
Black Thursday
Five days later, the market crashes on a level that wouldn't be surpassed for 39 years. It becomes known as the Great Depression.
