No street has been more important to a city than Wall Street has been to New York. The street was named for a wall that protected Manhattan from enemies and warring Indians. Wall street has become the center of business in the city of New York, and has come to be known as the financial center of the world. The massive bronze statue of a bull, the symbol of Wall Street, has long been a mascot for traders on Wall Street and is located at Wall Street and Broadway. The statue's nose is a lighter color than the rest of the bull from being polished by the hands of passers-by seeking to earn their fortunes. As you explore Wall Street, don't forget that the greater financial district offers a wealth of fantastic sites, including: the Chase Manhattan Bank and Plaza located on Liberty Street; The Marine Midland Bank at the corner of Nassau and Liberty Streets; The Chamber of Commerce on Liberty Street; and The Federal Reserve Bank at the triangle formed by Liberty and Maiden Streets. Wall Street highlights:

Federal Hall
26 Wall Street
(212) 825-6870
Open: 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday
Closed public holidays

It is here, on the steps of Federal Hall, that George Washington took his oath of office in 1789. Thousands of New Yorkers attended the swearing in and roared their approval when the Chancellor of New York shouted, "Long live George Washington, President of The United States."

The current structure was built between 1834 and 1842 and served as the United States Custom House. It represents one of the finest examples of classical designs in the entire city of New York. On display are the Bill of Rights Room, Rotunda, and an interactive computer exhibit about the Constitution of the United States of America. Federal Reserve Bank
33 Liberty Street
(212) 720-6130
Open: 8:30am - 5pm
Closed: Public Holidays
Guided Tours Available at 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm (phone to make reservation)

The Federal Reserve Bank, an impressive building on Liberty Street, was designed by York & Sawyer and was completed in 1924. Inspired by the palaces of the Italian Renaissance, this facility occupies a full block and is covered with wrought iron ornamentation. It is one of twelve regional Reserve Banks which, along with their board of governors in Washington, D.C., comprise the Federal Reserve System. The "Fed," as the system is commonly called, is an independent governmental entity created by Congress in 1913 to serve as the central bank of the United States.