Merchants Exchange Building, Historic commercial building in downtown St. Louis, United States.
The Merchants Exchange Building was a large commercial structure in downtown St. Louis designed with an iron truss system to create open interior space. The main hall measured approximately 235 feet (72 meters) long and 98 feet (30 meters) wide, allowing traders and visitors to gather for business activities.
The building was founded in 1836 and served as the first commodity trading exchange in the United States, predating the Chicago Board of Trade. It was demolished in 1958 to make way for new developments, including the Gateway Arch grounds.
The building hosted the 1876 Democratic National Convention, marking the first major political convention held west of the Mississippi River.
The original building no longer stands today, as it was demolished in 1958. Visitors can explore the history of the site through nearby museums and historical markers in the area.
The Exchange hall housed the largest indoor space in the entire United States during the 1870s, making it a remarkable venue for major commercial gatherings. This scale was technologically revolutionary for its era and drew business leaders from across the country.
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