L Liberty Bell EV. XXV X. the Sta rder of “Proclaim liberty throughout te House in PhiladA. By O all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof” PASS AND STOW P HILADA M DCCLIII The Liberty Bell has become an enduring symbol of freedom and many people, including the abolitionists, women’s suffrage advocates and civil rights leaders have taken inspiration from the inscription on the Bell. The Bell’s message of liberty remains just as relevant today as it did the day it was cast. Image credit: Independence National Historical Park INHT.org First Bank of the United States Brainchild of Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, the First Bank of the United States opened in 1797. It is the predecessor to today’s Federal Reserve. This building served as the nation’s bank until 1811, when the Bank’s charter was not renewed. Today, it is owned by the National Park Service. INHT.org Second Bank of the United States Chartered by Congress in 1816, the Second Bank played a pivotal role in the “bank wars” which pitted President Andrew Jackson against powerful bank president Nicholas Biddle. The Bank’s charter was not renewed in 1836. Today the Bank is the location for the portrait gallery at Independence National Historical Park INHT.org Merchant Exchange Building Designed by architect William Strickland, this 1834 Greek Revival masterpiece served as a place where businessmen exchanged everything from ship’s cargos to real estate and stocks. Today, this building is the headquarters of Independence National Historical Park. INHT.org.