NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE
Located at 11 Wall Street is the worlds largest stock exchange. I searched everywhere for an inside tour without success. But the architecture of the building is worth the visit. The building first built at this location was torn down. The new building you see today was first occupied in 1903. And it took 2 years to build (1901-03) under the influence of architect George B. Post.
Just looking at this massive marble building with its huge Roman columns I could sense strength, security, and notability of Americans. I just felt proud looking at it knowing this is where businesses can succeed and fail all in the same day. It’s a powerhouse!~
WHAT THE FIGURES REPRESENT
The 11 figures at the top were added in 1908. The figures depict “Integrity protecting the working man.”
1- The middle female figure wearing a winged cap and robe is “Integrity”. Both of her arms are reaching outward with clenched fists.
2 and 3- Sitting near her feet are two naked sitting children. One is reading a book and the other is looking at a grain hamper.
Men at work are on either side of her.
4- To her right is a nude man holding a gear shift and gear. This portrays that of a mechanic and scientific producer.
5- Next to him is a male figure who symbolizes International Trade. And he stands with his right hand resting on a ship’s wheel.
6 and 7- Next to him is a group of two male figures, one reclining and one kneeling, studying some charts. Both of these two figures represent intelligence and science.
On the left side of Integrity are figures representing the “works of man” which relate to gifts of the earth.
8- The first figure to Integrity’s left is a nude farmer bent over carrying a heavy sack on his back. Furthering the depiction of Agriculture, wheat is shown in the background.
9- The farmers wife is standing next to him wearing a skirt, blouse, and kerchief. She holds a thread spindle in her right hand.
10 and 11- Next to them is a group of two nude male miners examining a rock.
In the corners of the triangular housing the figures are waves symbolizing that the stock exchange influences the world from sea to shining sea.
Back to “Top things to do in Manhattan, New York” blog page.
Click to see more of the top things to do or see in New York City:
- Broadway
- Times Square
- Macy’s Herald Square
- Empire State Building – Chrysler Building – Top of the Rock Observation Deck – Trump Building
- Grand Central Terminal
- 5th Avenue
- Central Park / Literary Walk / Trump Rink
- The Dakota
- Metropolitan Museum
- Ground Zero / Freedom Tower/ One World Trade Center / 911 Memorial
- Wall Street / New York Stock Exchange
- Charging Bull
- Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge
- Ellis Island and Castle Clinton National Monument
- Statue of Liberty
- Architecture in New York