Philadelphia National Bank

The Philadelphia National Bank (PNB) was the direct successor of The Philadelphia Bank, organized on August 3, 1803 and chartered on March 5, 1804. Its early board of directors included many of the city's successful merchants and businessmen who were not part of the traditional elite and identified themselves as Jeffersonian Democratic-Republicans rather than Federalists. Its original building at 4th and Chestnut Streets was designed by Benjamin H. Latrobe. The Philadelphia Bank grew steadily during the 19th century as Philadelphia became a major industrial and railroad center. It was reorganized as the Philadelphia National Bank on October 20, 1864, under the National Banking Act of 1863. In the 20th century PNB grew substantially by merger and acquisition. Absorbed banks included the Farmers & Mechanics Bank, Girard National, Franklin National, Chester National Bank and Commercial National Bank of Philadelphia. In 1986 PNB was absorbed into the CORESTATES financial group.

From the description of Records, 1807-1960. (Hagley Museum & Library). WorldCat record id: 81645375

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