Econ Creations/ Stock Market Time Line

  • 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.
  • Stock Market Crash

    The most devastating stock market crash in the history of the United States.