New York's Wall Street.

Wall Street and its environ located in lower Manhattan have been listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places as recognition of the importance of the area both historically and architecturally, local media reported on Tuesday.

    The listing became official at a ceremony Monday at the Federal Hall which was the site of George Washington's inauguration in 1789 and the former 19th century customs house.

    "It's possible that no single area tells the story of America's progression from a primarily rural nation to a diverse industrial society as well as the Wall Street Historic District," said Steven McClain, president of the National Architectural Trust, in a statement.

    The 36-block area known as the Wall Street Historic District was where the Bill of Rights was adopted, George Washington was sworn in, the New York Stock Exchange was founded under a sycamore tree, J.P. Morgan made his fortune and New York experienced its terrorist attack in 2001.

    It was the 1929 Great Depression, more than any other event, that turned Wall Street, originally a lumpy cow path used by Dutch settlers, into a global synonym for capitalism, high finance and deals that change the world.

    The National Register, administered by the National Parks Service, recognizes historically and architecturally significant structures or areas. It does not bar or severely limit changes in existing structures, but it does provide federal tax benefits and preservation grants for some projects.

2007-03-07