Skip to main content

Merchants' Exchange photograph collection

 Collection
Identifier: PP 0141

Abstract

This collection includes photographs of exterior views of the Merchants' Exchange building in Baltimore. Also included are views of the demolition of the building and copy photographs of prints and drawings.

Dates

  • 1871-1901

Conditions Governing Access

This collecion is open for research use.

Conditions Governing Use

The reproduction of materials in this collection may be subject to copyright restrictions. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine and satisfy copyright clearances or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections. For more information visit the MCHC’s Rights and Permissions page.

Biographical / Historical

The Merchants' Exchange in Baltimore was located at the southwest corner of Gay and Water Streets. Designed by Benjamin Latrobe in collaboration with Maximilien Godefroy, the building was constructed circa 1815-1820. It had a Graeco-Roman design, with a dome that was a landmark in the city during the building's existence. The dome had catwalk promenades offering good views of the Baltimore harbor.

At different times, the building served as a stock exchange and reading room, customs house, bank, hotel, and post office, and as a venue for various public ceremonies: General Lafayette was received here in 1824, and Abraham Lincoln, Henry Clay, and Baltimore heroes of the Mexican War lay in state under the dome. The building was demolished in 1901-1902.

Extent

0.05 Linear Feet (1 half Hollinger box)

Language of Materials

English

Arrangement

The photographs are arranged according to PP catalog numbers.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Various sources, including gift of P.M. Reese.

Related Materials

MS. 610, the Merchants' Exchange Reading Room Record Books, 1832-1899.

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of one box with seven folders containing 21 photoprints and one nitrate negative. The photographs depict the Merchants' Exchange building in Baltimore between years 1871 and 1901-1902. Many images depict the building's demolition in 1901-1902. Two images from the 1870s may be copies of earlier photographs. There are also two copies of drawings or prints, one of which may date to 1817.

Title
Guide to the Merchants' Exchange photograph collection
Status
Under Revision
Author
Katherine Cowan
Date
1999-11
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
English

Revision Statements

  • 2020-02-04: Manually entered into ArchivesSpace by Mallory Herberger.

Repository Details

Part of the H. Furlong Baldwin Library Repository

Contact:
H. Furlong Baldwin Library
Maryland Center for History and Culture
610 Park Avenue
Baltimore MD 21201 United States
4106853750