Federal Hall has been the site of government activity for almost 300 years. Three successive buildings have stood at the corner of Wall and Nassau streets, each playing a role in momentous national historic events. The present building, an excellent example of Greek Revival architecture, was constructed in 1842 as a custom house. The Independent Treasury System was established here in 1862 and the Federal Reserve System in 1913. In 1955 Congress renamed it Federal Hall National Memorial in honor of the earlier edifice.
