26 Wall Street is one of the most important addresses in America. The Continental Congress met there. The Bill of Rights was drafted there. George Washington took the oath of office there. The first State of the Union address was delivered to Federal Hall. It was ground zero for what became the core of the Republic.

When Washington delivered his address to Congress, he reinforced the point that defending the nation was job one for the federal government. “Among the many interesting objects which will engage your attention, that of providing for the common defense will merit particular regard,” he wrote, “To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.”