Have you ever wondered about the origins of the New York Stock Exchange? Well, it all began in the late 18th century when a group of brokers gathered under a buttonwood tree on Wall Street to trade securities. From there, the exchange evolved into a formal organization, eventually becoming the world's largest stock exchange. But how exactly did this happen? What were the challenges and obstacles that the early founders faced? And how did the exchange grow and develop over time to become the financial institution it is today? Let's delve into the fascinating history of the New York Stock Exchange and uncover the answers to these questions.