For this series of Blog Posts we will explore the design and function of the works of Benjamin Henry Latrobe. The first project we will explore is the Bank of Pennsylvania otherwise known as the Second Bank of the United States. This was the first introduction of Greek revival in the United States. This highlights the forward thinking and reasoning behind Latrobe’s designation as the Father of American Architecture. Looking at the bank one can see the quintessential design associated with financial institutions across the United States. When a person thinks of a bank, they most likely imagine a building that resembles the Second Bank of the United States.
The bank was originally created as a private corporation with public duties in 1816. It handled all transactions of the United States Government, and was supervised by Congress and the Treasury. The federal government owned 20% of its capital, and 80% was owned by four thousand private investors. Most stocks of the institution were owned by a few hundred wealthy Americans. I find this similar to our current status of wealth where a few hundred individuals own 80% of the nation’s wealth. In its time, the Second Bank of the United States was the largest monied corporation in the world. The bank was created to stabilize small banks which provided credit on easy terms to speculators.
Congress finally passed a law chartering the Second Bank of the United States, which was created to help the national treasury out of its uncomfortable financial situation and to regulate the currency. Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Second Bank started out with $35 million in capital, a fifth of which was provided by the federal government. The Bank served as a place in which the government could deposit federal funds, including tax revenues.
This was designed with Strickland as the essence of the Parthenon in Athens. The quintessential greek revival style is seen in the north and south facades. One can see the main level platform called the stylobate. There are also eight Doric columns. This makes the building appear like a Greek temple, and give it its name. Construction lasted from 1819-1824. The Greek Revival style directly contrasts the Federal style of the First Bank of the United States. The federal style has Roman-influenced Corinthian columns and a roofline topped with a balustrade making it appear more like a roman villa. Looking at this project one can appreciate the detail of both, and look forward to the innovation produced by Latrobe.
