Today in History: Panic of 1857


Today in History–August 24–the Library of Congress features the Panic of 1857, which began on this date and was one of the most severe economic crises in U.S. history. Find out more about this event and other financial crises of the 19th century and early 20th century by reviewing the Today in History section and the resources below.

Panic of 1857 Began from America’s Library

1857 bank failure newspaper coverage

The Great FailureThe Atlantic Monthly Volume 1, Issue 4, February 1858

The banks of New York, their dealers, the clearing-house, and the panic of 1857 (1864)

The panics of 1837 and 1857”  by John E. Russell, delivered before the New England Free Trade League, May 21, 1896

Bank panics image set

New York panics image set