New York Chamber of Commerce founded

The New York Chamber of Commerce was founded as a mercantile union by 20 merchants to promote their business interests. It was formed at Bolton and Sigel's Tavern, in the building leased from Samuel Fraunces, now known as Fraunces Tavern.

After its move to the Royal Exchange in 1770, the New York Chamber of Commerce received a royal charter from King George III. Divisions arose during the Revolutionary War, with patriots and loyalists splitting.

Patriots regained control after the British left in 1783, relocating the Chamber to the Merchants’ Coffee House and later issuing a new charter in 1784. The Chamber played a role in advocating for mercantile laws, the Erie Canal, and the Jay Treaty. In 1793, the Chamber relocated to the Tontine Association across the street from the Merchants’ Coffee House. By 1806, attendance had declined, and meetings were suspended. In 1817, Chamber President Cornelius Ray revitalized the organization, increasing membership and focusing on the Erie Canal. From 1827 to 1835, the Chamber was housed in the Merchants Exchange Building on Wall Street. 

After the 1835 Great Fire, the Chamber relocated to the Merchants Bank, on Wall Street and rebuilt its resources. By the mid-19th century, it grew to 205 members and influenced trade nationally and internationally. During the Civil War, it advocated for New York Harbor defenses, raised funds, and commemorated Union bravery. The Chamber also addressed losses from Confederate attacks, notably rewarding the USS Kearsarge crew after sinking the CSS Alabama. By 1858, the Chamber had outgrown its current location and moved to the Underwriters' building on William and Cedar Streets.

The Chamber merged into the New York City Partnership in 2002. It ceased to exist as a standalone organization.