Editing Second Bank of the United States

{{Infobox LocalBusiness
| name = Second Bank of the United States
| image =
| image_caption = Greek Revival facade of the Second Bank
| type = Historic building, museum
| address = 420 Chestnut Street
| neighborhood = Old City
| coordinates = 39.9480,-75.1480
| phone = (215) 965-2305
| website = https://www.nps.gov/inde/learn/historyculture/places-secondbank.htm
| established = 1824
| founder = United States Congress
| owner = National Park Service
| employees =
| hours = Wed-Sun 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
| products = Portrait gallery, historic site
| status = Museum
}}

'''The Second Bank of the United States''' is a historic Greek Revival building located at 420 Chestnut Street in [[Old City, Philadelphia|Old City]], considered one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in America. Built between 1818 and 1824 to house the nation's central bank, the building now serves as a portrait gallery operated by the National Park Service as part of Independence National Historical Park. The gallery displays 185 portraits of notable early Americans, including many Founding Fathers painted from life.<ref name="nps">{{cite web |url=https://www.nps.gov/inde/learn/historyculture/places-secondbank.htm |title=Second Bank of the United States Portrait Gallery |publisher=National Park Service |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

The building was designed by '''William Strickland''' and is modeled after the Parthenon in Athens, featuring massive Doric columns on both its north and south facades. As the headquarters of America's most powerful financial institution during the 1820s and 1830s, the Second Bank stood at the center of one of the most significant political controversies of the era—President Andrew Jackson's "Bank War" against the institution, which he viewed as a threat to democracy.<ref name="encyclopedia">{{cite web |url=https://philadelphiaencyclopedia.org/essays/second-bank-of-the-united-states/ |title=Second Bank of the United States |publisher=Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

=== The First Bank of the United States ===

The '''First Bank of the United States''' (1791-1811) was established by Alexander Hamilton as part of his economic program. Located nearby at 3rd and Chestnut Streets, the First Bank's charter expired in 1811 amid controversy over federal power and state banking interests.

=== Establishment of the Second Bank ===

After financial chaos during the War of 1812, Congress chartered the '''Second Bank of the United States''' in 1816. The Bank was designed to:
* Regulate the nation's money supply
* Serve as fiscal agent for the federal government
* Provide a stable national currency
* Restrain the lending practices of state-chartered banks

Philadelphia was chosen as the Bank's headquarters, reflecting the city's status as America's financial center.

=== Nicholas Biddle ===

'''Nicholas Biddle''' (1786-1844) served as the Bank's president from 1823 to 1836 and transformed it into a sophisticated central bank. A Philadelphia aristocrat and scholar, Biddle managed the institution with considerable skill, maintaining the nation's financial stability.

However, Biddle's influence and the Bank's power attracted political opposition, particularly from President Andrew Jackson.

=== The Bank War ===

President '''Andrew Jackson''' viewed the Second Bank as unconstitutional, undemocratic, and a tool of wealthy Eastern elites. In 1832, he vetoed a bill to renew the Bank's charter, declaring:

''"The bank is trying to kill me, but I will kill it."''

Jackson removed federal deposits from the Bank in 1833, and its charter expired in 1836. The Bank continued briefly as a state-chartered institution but failed in 1841.

=== After the Bank ===

Following the Bank's failure, the building served various purposes:
* '''U.S. Custom House''' (1844-1935)
* '''Carl Schurz Memorial Foundation''' (1930s)
* '''National Park Service''' museum (1974-present)

== Architecture ==

=== Greek Revival Masterpiece ===

The Second Bank of the United States is considered '''William Strickland's''' masterpiece and one of the most important Greek Revival buildings in America.

==== Exterior ====

* '''Style:''' Greek Revival, modeled on the Parthenon
* '''Columns:''' Eight massive Doric columns on north and south facades
* '''Material:''' Pennsylvania marble
* '''Dimensions:''' 121 feet wide, 80 feet deep

The building's temple-front design was revolutionary for American architecture and established Greek Revival as the dominant style for public buildings throughout the antebellum period.

==== Interior ====

* '''Banking Hall:''' Grand central space with marble columns
* '''Vaults:''' Original iron vault doors remain
* '''Restoration:''' Interior adapted for museum use while preserving original features

=== William Strickland (1788-1854) ===

Strickland was one of the most influential architects of early American history. A student of Benjamin Henry Latrobe, Strickland designed numerous important buildings including:
* The Second Bank of the United States
* The Philadelphia Merchants' Exchange
* The Tennessee State Capitol
* The First Presbyterian Church of Nashville

== The Portrait Gallery ==

=== Collection ===

The Second Bank now houses the '''People of Independence''' portrait gallery, featuring 185 paintings of notable figures from the Revolutionary and early national periods.

==== Highlights ====

* '''George Washington''' by Charles Willson Peale (painted from life)
* '''Thomas Jefferson''' by Charles Willson Peale
* '''Benjamin Franklin''' by Charles Willson Peale
* '''Marquis de Lafayette''' by Thomas Sully
* '''Portraits of nearly all signers of the Declaration of Independence'''

==== Artists ====

Many portraits were painted by '''Charles Willson Peale''' (1741-1827) and his family, who operated a portrait studio and museum in Philadelphia. Peale painted many Founders from life, making these portraits invaluable historical documents.

=== Significance ===

The collection provides an unparalleled opportunity to see authentic likenesses of the Founders—not idealized images created after their deaths, but portraits painted when these figures were alive and active.

== Visiting the Second Bank ==

=== Hours ===

* '''Wednesday-Sunday:''' 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
* '''Closed:''' Monday, Tuesday, and major holidays

=== Admission ===

'''Free admission'''

The gallery is part of Independence National Historical Park and open to the public at no charge.

=== What to See ===

* '''Portrait Gallery:''' Explore the collection of Founding Fathers and early American leaders
* '''Banking Hall:''' Experience the grand interior space
* '''Architecture:''' Study the Greek Revival details
* '''Temporary Exhibits:''' Rotating displays on American history

=== Getting There ===

* '''SEPTA Market-Frankford Line:''' 5th Street Station (1 block)
* '''SEPTA Bus:''' Routes 5, 17, 21, 42
* '''Walking:''' Adjacent to [[Independence Hall]] and [[Carpenters' Hall]]

=== Nearby Attractions ===

* [[Independence Hall]] (adjacent)
* [[Carpenters' Hall]] (adjacent)
* [[Library Hall]] (across the street)
* [[Philosophical Hall]] (across the street)

== See Also ==

* [[Independence Hall]]
* [[First Bank of the United States]]
* [[Old City, Philadelphia]]
* [[Architecture in Philadelphia]]
* [[Banking in Philadelphia]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.nps.gov/inde/learn/historyculture/places-secondbank.htm National Park Service - Second Bank]
* [https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/second-bank-of-the-united-states/ Visit Philadelphia Guide]

{{#seo:
|title=Second Bank of the United States - Greek Revival Landmark and Portrait Gallery
|description=Visit the Second Bank of the United States, a Greek Revival masterpiece housing portraits of the Founding Fathers. Free admission to this National Park Service gallery near Independence Hall.
|keywords=Second Bank United States, Greek Revival architecture, Philadelphia portrait gallery, Founding Fathers portraits, William Strickland architect, Andrew Jackson Bank War, Nicholas Biddle, free museums Philadelphia
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Landmarks]]
[[Category:Historic Buildings]]
[[Category:Old City]]
[[Category:Museums]]
[[Category:Architecture]]