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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. -
No Bussiness on the Street
The N.Y.S.E. bars its members from conducting business in the streets. -
The Prez Makes Bank
The N.Y.S.E. starts paying its president a salary. The first paid president, David Clarkson, earns $2000 a year. -
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. -
Talking Round The Transatlantic
Cyrus Field completes a transatlantic cable, connecting telegraph operators across the Atlantic Ocean. For the first time, London and New York markets can communicate instantaneously. -
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." -
Telephones So Everyone Can Talk
The N.Y.S.E. installs the first telephones on its trading floor. -
What Do You Value Your Stocks At?
The N.Y.S.E.'s trading volume reaches one million shares a day for the first time. -
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. -
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.