First National Bank was chartered in 1863. It was the first national bank created under the Civil War banking reforms that began to define the modern U.S. banking system. It operated independently until 1955, when it was merged into the Bank of North America, today part of Wells Fargo.
In 1866, the bank commissioned a new building at 315 Chestnut St, which became an anchor along what was known as "Bankers Row". Designed by Philadelphia architect John McArthur Jr, the building's cornerstone was laid on May 23, 1866, and cost $121,300 to build.
In 1953, the interior was stripped, and the building later became vacant.
In 1995, the building was acquired by the Chemical Heritage Foundation, which renovated it as a museum of the history of chemistry. In 2018, the Chemical Heritage Foundation was renamed the Science History Institute. The museum is normally open free of charge Tues - Sat 10AM - 5PM.
1869 view 1899 1911, interior
1959 Today
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