What is Wall Street and how did it get its name?

Wall Street is a street in Lower Manhattan, New York City, that has become synonymous with the American financial system. It is home to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and is a symbol of American capitalism. The name 'Wall Street' originated from the wall that was built by the Dutch in the 17th century to protect the southern boundary of their New Amsterdam colony. The wall ran along the street, which was named 'de Waal Straat' or 'Wall Street' in Dutch.

Over time, Wall Street became a hub of economic activity, with banks and financial institutions setting up shop in the area. Today, Wall Street is the center of the American financial system, with the NYSE, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and the headquarters of many of the largest U.S. banks and financial companies located in the area.