Earliest Days

In 18th century, colonial stock traders worked out of coffee houses. The two great American stock exchanges developed from these brokers.

Curbstone Brokers

In 1792, several traders signed the Buttonwood Agrerement, which led to the formation of The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The traders who were not involved in the agreement traded in the street. They were called "curbstone brokers." Their stocks were mainly shares businesses too small to be listed on the NYSE. In the 1890s, their site became Broad Street near Exchange Place in lower Manhattan.

Development

In 1904, the curbstone brokers were organized into the New York Curb Market Agency, and their business practices were codified. In 1911, it became The New York Curb Market, with higher standards.

The American Stock Exchange Building

In 1921, the curbstone traders moved to a grand, new building on Greenwich Street (the main entrance was later moved to Trinity Place). In 1929, the market's name was changed to the New York Curb Exchange, and it was the leading international stock market by 1930. In 1952, it became known as The American Stock Exchange (ASE).

Growth

During the 1950s, the ASE grew quickly. The value of shares traded on the ASE nearly doubled, due largely to listing of young companies founded by entrepreneurs.

Source:

Stock Market and Wall Street History

AMEX Timeline

American Stock Exchange

More Information:

New York Stock Exchange