Wall Street

The History of the New York City Block That Became America's Financial Center

By: Charles River Editors

Narrated by: Tracey Norman

In the heart of Lower Manhattan lies a prestigious strip running eight blocks long. From Broadway to the East River, impressive towers and columned buildings slapped with smooth, well-aged limestone stand proudly under the afternoon sunlight. Some of the nation's largest investment firms and brokerages line these blocks, and among these landmarks is one that effortlessly stands out from the rest: the home of the New York Stock Exchange. Resting on 11 Wall Street, this handsome curved structure built with white Georgian marble is a double-sided beaut. Above three flags rustling in the breeze, the Broad Street entrance boasts six Corinthian columns and is topped off with a triangular pediment featuring a sculpted series of human figures. This distinguished district, of course, is none other than Wall Street. Smartly dressed men and women armed with swinging suitcases, phones, and Bluetooth headsets pour out of the buildings, joining the bustling crowd in the sidewalks. A few blocks down, tourists surround a gleaming bronze bull for a snapshot with the famous monument. All over the place, there is a palpable sense of urgency, determination, and fast-paced energy hanging in the air. It is an energy the driven inhabitants live, breathe, and thrive on each day.

©2016 Charles River Editors (P)2017 Charles River Editors