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First Bank of the United States Review

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First Bank of the United States

  • Address: 120 S. 3rd St., Historic Area, Philadelphia, PA | Map It
Write a review | Avg. member rating: 2.6/5

Fodor's Review:

A fine example of Federal architecture, the oldest bank building in the country was headquarters of the government's bank from 1797 to 1811. Designed by Samuel Blodget Jr. and erected in 1795-97, the bank was an imposing structure in its day, exemplifying strength, dignity, and security. Head first to the right, to the north side of the structure, to find a wrought-iron gateway topped by an eagle. Pass through it into the courtyard, and you magically step out of modern-day Philadelphia and into Colonial America. Before you do so, check out the bank's pediment. Executed in 1797 by Clodius F. Legrand and Sons, its cornucopia, oak branch, and American eagle are carved from mahogany—a late-18th-century masterpiece that has withstood acid rain better than the bank's marble pillars.

  • Open: Interior closed to public
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Member Reviews and Ratings

Reviewed by bachslunch from US on 10/19/08
Attractive historic building, architecturally interesting. You can't go inside, though.

Member Rating: 2.6
Ratings details: Experience: 3.0 Ease: 3.0 Value: 2.0 Don't Miss: 2.0
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