Philadelphia: 2nd Bank of the United States

This statue of Robert Morris, by sculptor Paul Wayland Bartlett, was cast in 1925 and originally dedicated on the Chestnut Street steps of the Second Bank of the United States on June 18, 1926. In 1961, it was moved to its current site in a courtyard, facing north towards the bank. The statue depicts Morris making his way through the snow during his mission to raise funds for Washington's troops at Valley Forge. In his proper left coat pocket is a scroll representing the $1,400,000 subscription list he obtained in order to help Americans win at Yorktown. Robert Morris Jr. (1734-1806) was an American merchant and a signer to the United States Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the United States Constitution. Morris was known as the Financier of the Revolution, because of his role in securing financial assistance for the American side in the Revolutionary War. Ironically, he was sent to debtor's prison in later life.

The Second Bank of the United States, at 420 Chestnut Street, was chartered five years after the expiration of the First Bank of the United States in 1816 to keep inflation in check following the War of 1812. The Bank served as the depository for Federal funds until 1833, when it became the center of bitter controversy between bank president Nicholas Biddle and President Andrew Jackson. The Bank, always a privately owned institution, lost its Federal charter in 1836, and ceased operations in 1841. The Greek Revival building, built between 1819 and 1824 and modeled by architect William Strickland after the Parthenon, continued for a short time to house a banking institution under a Pennsylvania charter. From 1845 to 1935 the building served as the Philadelphia Customs House. Today it is open, free to the public, and features the "People of Independence" exhibit--a portrait gallery with 185 paintings of Colonial and Federal leaders, military officers, explorers and scientists, including many by Charles Willson Peale.

Independence National Historical Park preserves several sites associated with the American Revolution. Administered by the National Park Service, the 45-acre park was authorized in 1948, and established on July 4, 1956. The Second Bank of the United States was added to the Park's properties in 2006.

Second Bank of the United States National Register #87001293 (1987)
Independence National Park Historic District National Register #66000675 (1966)

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Taken in: United States / Pennsylvania / Philadelphia / Center City (show map)

Taken on: December 27, 2003

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2nd Bank of the US

William Strickland

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Second Bank Portrait Gallery

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Sets appears in: • Philadelphia: Old City

Groups appears in: • Philly • 1776 more » • US National Historic Landmarks • Philly Photos • Sculptures, Statues, and Public Art • Statues and Sculptures. • Statues Memorials & Monuments • Philadelphia, PA • Philadelphia Scenes • Center City - Philadelphia • National Register of Historic Places • The Revolution Flickred 1775-1783 • Philadelphia: The Charm of the City • Philadelphia, PA Scenes • Philadelphia Architecture • PICS & FACTS • Statues and Public Art of North America « less

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