William Penn Annex East in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Second Bank of the United States
Independence National Historical Park
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 26, 2025
1. Second Bank of the United States Marker
“The portico of the glorious edifice … always repays me for coming to Philadelphia” —Philip Hone, 1838
Here stands the Second Bank of the United States. Established in 1816 to hold government deposits and regulate currency, it dominated American finance for more than a decade.
The temple-like bank had both priest and heretics. Bank President Nicholas Biddle preached the value of the bank, while U.S. President Andrew Jackson decried it as a “hydra of corruption.” The “temple” was looted of its treasure when Jackson vetoed the recharter of the bank, distributing government deposits to smaller banks.
Now, long after the passions of finance and philosophy have subsided, we recognize the architecture—not the institution—as the real treasure of the Bank. Designed by William Strickland, it has been called the finest example of Greek Revival architecture in the United States.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #07 Andrew Jackson series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1838.
Location. 39° 56.895′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Pennsylvania. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, New Netherland, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named The Second Bank of the United States (a few steps from this marker); Portrait Gallery in the Second Bank of the United States (within shouting distance of this marker); Carpenters' Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Quaker Meeting House Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Robert Morris (1734 - 1806) (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Custom House (within shouting distance of this marker); Philosophical Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Robert Morris (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.
More about this marker. Photos of President Andrew Jackson and Bank President Nicholas Biddle.
Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, July 5, 2008
2. Second Bank of the United States Marker
This is a photo of the marker before the sticker for the cell phone tour was removed.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 25, 2017
3. Second Bank of the United States Marker
The bank can be seen behind the marker.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 25, 2017
4. Second Bank of the United States Marker
Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, July 5, 2008
5. Second Bank of the United States
Photographed by John K. Robinson, October 19, 2005
6. Second Bank of the United States
This is the home of Nicholas Biddle, Andalusia, seen from the river side.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 16, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,658 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 28, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on July 16, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 3, 4. submitted on August 1, 2017, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 5. submitted on July 16, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 6. submitted on May 8, 2010, by John K. Robinson of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
