Designed by William Strickland, this building, built between 1819 and
1824, is one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the
United States. The Second Bank was incorporated in 1816 and was one of the
most influential financial institutions in the world until 1832, when it
became the center of bitter controversy between bank president Nicholas
Biddle and President Andrew Jackson. The bank ceased to exist in 1836 after
Jackson vetoed the bill to renew its charter. The building continued for
a short time to house a banking institution under a Pennsylvania charter.
From 1845 to 1935 the building served as the Philadelphia Customs House.
Today the building houses the park's extensive collection of late 18th and
early 19th century portraits.