Wall Street is nowadays a synonym for American financial markets. It is best known due to the New York Stock Exchange building which is located here.
Its name was derived from its function - during the 17th century, the street marked the northern border of the New Amsterdam settlement. There was an actual wall that protected the inhabitants of New Amsterdam.
Later on, a buttonwood tree has grown on Wall Street and under this tree, the Buttonwood Agreement was signed – the agreement that established what is now the New York Stock Exchange.
When on Wall Street, be sure to check the New York Stock Exchange building – a marvelous piece of architecture. Unfortunately, you cannot get inside but the exterior is definitely worth seeing.
