Insurance Company of North America
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Formed in 1792 at Independence Hall to write marine insurance and incorporated in 1794, it was the first US firm to insure a building's contents from fire. One of the most global insurers of the 20th century, INA created the homeowners policy in 1950. Located along "Insurance Row" (Walnut St. from 2nd to 6th) for much of the 19th century, and in the landmark INA Building at 1600 Arch St., 1925-91. Acquired by ACE (later Chubb) Ltd., 1999.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
In 1792, at the very cradle of American governance, a group of Philadelphia merchants gathered at Independence Hall to found the Insurance Company of North America — the young republic's first stock insurance company, born to protect ships and cargo crossing dangerous seas. Chartered in 1794, INA soon broke new ground by insuring the contents of buildings against fire, and for generations clustered along the city's fabled "Insurance Row." By the 20th century it had grown into one of the world's great insurers, pioneering the modern homeowners policy in 1950 before being absorbed into what is now Chubb.
Why it matters
INA helped invent the American insurance industry, turning risk into a manageable commodity that underwrote commerce, home ownership, and the nation's economic expansion.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Philosophical Hallnearby · PA
- Portrait Gallery in the Second Bank0.1 mi away · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Old City Hall0.1 mi away · Philadelphia
- Independence Hall0.1 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- New Hall Military Museum0.1 mi away · Philadelphia
- Congress Hall0.1 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Second Bank of the United Statesnearby · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Carpenters' Hall0.1 mi away · 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- First Bank of the United States0.1 mi away · 120 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell0.2 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- President's House0.2 mi away
- City Tavern0.2 mi away · 138 South 2nd Street
Food & drink
- FRIEDA0.1 mi away · 320 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Red Owl Tavern0.1 mi away · 433 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Franklin Social0.1 mi away · 401 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Buddakan0.1 mi away · 325 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Olivier Cafe0.2 mi away · 50 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cafe Walnut0.2 mi away · 703 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel0.1 mi away · 401 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Best Western Plus Independence Park Hotel0.2 mi away · 237 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostels Philadelphia0.2 mi away · 32 South Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostels0.2 mi away · 33 Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Thomas Bond House0.3 mi away · 129 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia
- Morris House Hotel0.3 mi away · 225 South 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related events
- · Founding of the Insurance Company of North America
Themes & tags
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