William Penn Annex East in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Old Custom House

National Historic Site

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 25, 2017

1. Old Custom House Marker

Inscription.
A notable example of Greek Revival architecture, this building follows in many regards Latrobe’s design of 1818. It was erected in 1819 – 1824 by his pupil, Strickland, as the Second Bank of the United States. The first of modern adaptations of the Parthenon at Athens, it was the center of the bitter financial and political struggle in which the bank’s head, Nicholas Biddle, and his ally, Henry Clay, contended with President Jackson for control of the nation’s monetary system. Jackson prevented the rechartering of the bank in 1836, and from 1845 to 1934 its former home served as the Philadelphia Custom House.

Erected by National Park Service.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #07 Andrew Jackson series list.

Location. 39° 56.929′ N, 75° 8.903′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in William Penn Annex East. Marker is on Chestnut Street, on the right when traveling east. Marker is located on the front of the 2nd Bank of the United States, between 4th and 5th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 432 Chestnut St, Philadelphia PA 19106, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other

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markers are within walking distance of this marker. Philosophical Hall (here, next to this marker); Portrait Gallery in the Second Bank of the United States (a few steps from this marker); Philadelphia Bank Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Signer (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Signer (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Signer (within shouting distance of this marker); Gilbert Stuart House (within shouting distance of this marker); Second Bank of the United States (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 25, 2017

2. Old Custom House Marker

Old Custom House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 25, 2017

3. Old Custom House

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 25, 2017, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 473 times since then and 60 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 25, 2017, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.