Goldman Sachs, founded in 1869, is one of the most prestigious and globally influential investment banks today. Known for its leadership in mergers and acquisitions, asset management, and securities, Goldman has shaped corporate finance and public markets for more than 150 years. Still, it was not the first U.S. investment bank. That honor belongs to Brown Brothers Harriman, established in 1818. While Goldman Sachs rose to prominence in the late 19th and 20th centuries, its founding came decades after several other banking firms had already begun shaping the U.S. economy. Goldman's impact is undeniable, but understanding financial history means recognizing the institutions that came before it and how they laid the foundation for Wall Street's rise.