September 20 in American History

September 20, 1873 — the New York Stock Exchange shuts its doors

After the banking firm Jay Cooke & Co. collapsed under railroad debt, panic spread through the financial system so fast that the NYSE closed for ten days straight — the first time in its history. The Panic of 1873 tipped the country into a depression that lasted years.

Common Questions

What happened on September 20 in American history?

In 1873: the New York Stock Exchange shuts its doors. After the banking firm Jay Cooke & Co.

Why is September 20 significant?

After the banking firm Jay Cooke & Co. collapsed under railroad debt, panic spread through the financial system so fast that the NYSE closed for ten days straight — the first time in its history. The Panic of 1873 tipped the country into a depression that lasted years.

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