The Bank of New York's First Office (1784)
Walton House · Pearl Street near Peck Slip
In Hamilton's day
Hamilton drafted the constitution of the city's first bank, which opened for business on 9 June 1784 in the Walton House, a merchant's mansion on St. George's Square (now Pearl Street).
The bank moved to Hanover Square in 1787 and to the corner of Wall and William Streets in 1797. Its stock was the first corporate stock traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
“A national debt, if it is not excessive, will be to us a national blessing.”
Letter to Robert Morris, 30 April 1781
Visiting today
The Walton House site is near the approach ramps to the Brooklyn Bridge. The bank's 1797 cornerstone is preserved on the facade of 48 Wall Street.
Nearby in Hamilton's day
- New York Manumission Society school1787
Hamilton was a founding member of the New York Manumission Society in 1785. Its African Free School opened on Cliff Street in 1787.
- Hercules Mulligan's shop1772
Tailor and Son of Liberty. Hamilton lodged with Mulligan when he first arrived; Mulligan later spied for Washington.
- First Presidential Mansion1789
Washington's first residence as president, on Cherry Street near today's Brooklyn Bridge.